Microplastics Pollution: A Brief Review of Its Source and Abundance in Different Aquatic Ecosystems

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are a continuous and subtle environmental problem; they have already been identified as a significant issue in aquatic habitats as well as in human health. Although MP contamination is pervasive throughout land, sea, and air, these habitats are often thought of as separate entities; nevertheless, they are intertwined. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of pollution-causing MPs, their prevalence, and the potential pathways for these contaminants and to identify research gaps so that future research priorities may be determined. According to the research, UV radiation and low temperatures aid in the degradation of typical plastic into tiny particles, known as MPs, which then enter the marine ecosystem via runoff. Furthermore, recent research has revealed that the aquatic ecosystem near urban centers has greater levels of MPs and that aquatic organisms from these locations have significant MP buildup in their bodies. In addition, other water pollutants, such as dyes, heavy metals, and other chemicals, have been observed to adhere readily to MPs, and so these MPs serve as a transporter of many other pollutants in the bodies of aquatic species. Thus, the current study examines: i) MPs and their distribution; and ii) their detrimental impacts on the ecosystem and marine biodiversity. We conclude by highlighting future research opportunities; therefore, this study will help to inspire further research for scientists and policymakers that will minimize the negative impacts