Microplastic pollution: a review of techniques to identify microplastics and their threats to the aquatic ecosystem

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs), small synthetic particles, have emerged as perilous chemical pollutants in aquatic habitats, causing grave concerns about their disruptive efects on ecosystems. The fauna and fora inhabiting these specifc environments consume these MPs, unwittingly introducing them into the intricate web of the food chain. In this comprehensive evaluation, the current methods of identifying MPs are amalgamated and their profound impacts on marine and freshwater ecosystems are discussed. There are many potential risks associated with MPs, including the dangers of ingestion and entanglement, as well as internal injuries and digestive obstructions, both marine and freshwater organisms. In this review, the merits and limitations of diverse identifcation techniques are discussed, including spanning chemical analysis, thermal identifcation, and spectroscopic imaging such as Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and fuorescent microscopy. Additionally, it discusses the prevalence of MPs, the factors that afect their release into aquatic ecosystems, as well as their plausible impact on various aquatic ecosystems. Considering these disconcerting fndings, it is imperative that appropriate measures should be taken to assess the potential risks of MP pollution, protect aquatic life and human health, and foster sustainable development.