Marine Microplastic Pollution: Classification, Transport, and Ecotoxicological Effects

Background: The widespread usage of products containing plastic and human activities together have combined to make microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems an urgent worldwide concern. The effects of this pollution are not limited to marine environments; aquatic life and human health are also seriously threatened.

Aims: The goal of this chapter is to offer a complete overview of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems, focusing on where it comes from, how it gets there, how it builds up, and how it might affect aquatic life and human health. By reviewing the available research, we hope to clarify the complex nature of this problem and offer suggestions for practical solutions.

Sources: A thorough literature search utilizing databases like PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar produced the included information for this review. Relevant peer-reviewed articles and reviews in English were considered, with a focus on recent publications within the last few years.

Content: The review highlights the widespread prevalence of microplastic pollution in marine environments, emphasizing its origins from anthropogenic activities and the persistence of plastic debris. It explores the pathways through which microplastics enter aquatic ecosystems, their ingestion by marine organisms, and the potential consequences for both wildlife and human populations. The review also covers the effects of microplastics on the health of marine ecosystems and presents suggestions for sensible plastic waste management techniques.

Implications: The review emphasizes how urgent action is needed to solve microplastic pollution and its negative consequences on human health and marine environments. By raising awareness and promoting research initiatives, it aims to drive policy changes and inform public discourse on the importance of sustainable practices to safeguard our oceans for future generations.