Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs), formed through the degradation of larger plastic materials, are emerging pollutants of significant concern. While their impact on aquatic ecosystems is well documented, their effects on terrestrial, especially farm animals remain underexplored. This review assesses the potential threats of MPs and NPs to Bangladesh’s livestock sector by analyzing the results of experimental models and environmental studies. In Bangladesh, MPs and NPs have been detected in agricultural soils, air, water bodies, and aquatic organisms, indicating possible entry into animal systems through contaminated feed, water, and inhalation. Once internalized, these particles may trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and tissue damage, impairing vital biological systems. Documented health consequences include reduced fertility, hematotoxicity, gut microbiota imbalance, gut–brain axis disruption, skeletal disorders, and metabolic dysfunction. Additionally, MPs and NPs can induce genomic changes, including altered gene expression and DNA hypomethylation, intensifying physiological damage and reducing productivity. Therefore, managing plastic contamination is vital in protecting animal health, ensuring food safety, and preserving human well-being around the globe, especially in vulnerable regions like Bangladesh. Given the critical role of livestock and poultry in ensuring food security and public health, the findings highlight an urgent need for comprehensive research and mitigation strategies.

Microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in coastal habitats, but their occurrence in highly vulnerable coastal zones and human exposure risk are poorly understood, especially in developing nations like Bangladesh. This inquiry focused on the prevalence and potential hazards of MPs in surface sediment and shallow groundwater samples collected from 12 sites in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, from August to October 2023. Using stereomicroscopy and FTIR, MPs were quantified, with concentrations ranging from 60 to 813.33 MPs/kg in surficial sediment and 3.34 to 36.66 MPs/L in shallow groundwater, with mean values of 294.38 ± 26.61 MPs/kg and 18.91 ± 4.75 MPs/L. The dominant MPs were composed of transparent and white fibers, ranging in size from 0 to 0.5 mm, with HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and PP (Polypropylene) identified as the most commonly found polymers. To assess MP exposure in humans and the environment, this investigation used three indices: the polymer hazard index (PHI), the pollutant load index (PLI), and the estimated daily intake (EDI). The findings indicate that children exhibit greater exposure than adults, with observed low contamination levels, alongside a spectrum of toxicity from moderate to extreme. This study enhances understanding of MP contamination in the surficial sediments and shallow groundwater of Bangladesh, highlighting the need for further investigation into ecotoxicology, human health risks, legislation, and related issues.