Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: A Growing Concern

Abstract The increasing occurrence of microplastics in aquatic environments is an overwhelming global concern. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that endanger both live of flora and fauna and human health. In general, microplastics originate from the disintegration of plastic waste, industrial processes, residential items or wastewater treatment plants. Once they enter waterways, these chemicals are frequently eaten by marine animals, which can absorb them and potentially cause ill health effects higher up the food chain. Technical restrictions still exist in assessing the ecological toxicity risk of microplastics. To clog these layers, this paper examines microplastic sources in detail to aquatic environments, their transport, pollution in the environment and health, relevant international policy interventions, and methods for reducing plastic loads from non-point sources in the freshwater ecosystem.