Investigating the Behavioral Implications of Microplastic Exposure in Animal Species

Abstract Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants impacting ecosystems worldwide, causing physical harm and behavioral changes in wildlife. MP toxicity mainly depends on size, porosity, weathering, and surrounding compounds. MPs disrupt feeding and metabolism, resulting in reproductive, neurological, and behavioral disorders. These impacts significantly alter ecological niches and reduce animal survival. Understanding these impacts is crucial for assessing the broader ecological effects of plastic pollution and developing effective mitigation strategies. This review investigated 110 papers on quantifying the behavioral consequences of MPs while considering their physiological basis, emphasizing the significance of these changes and their potential long-term influence on populations and ecosystems. This study thoroughly investigates model species, including plankton, fish, amphibians, crustaceans, pollinators, and mammals. Fish exhibited the most significant behavioral impact, while crustaceans showed the least. Mice, representing mammals, displayed the most severe physiological damage.