MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION: SOURCES, TOXICOLOGICAL IMPACTS, AND EMERGING MITIGATION STRATEGIES

Microplastic pollution has emerged as a pervasive threat to aquatic ecosystems worldwide. These particles, originating from industrial resin pellets, synthetic fibers, and the fragmentation of larger plastics, are transported through rivers, stormwater runoff, and atmospheric deposition into both freshwater and marine environments. Once present, they interact with aquatic organisms, causing physical injury and toxicological effects through additive leaching and pollutant adsorption. Microplastics are ingested across trophic levels, leading to bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, and potential ecosystem disruption, with growing concern for human exposure. Their detection in commercially important fish and shellfish raises pressing questions about food safety, although the full extent of health risks remains unresolved. This review synthesizes current knowledge on microplastic sources, environmental pathways, and biological impacts, alongside emerging evidence of human exposure through ingestion and inhalation. It also highlights mitigation efforts and innovative technologies aimed at reducing contamination. By integrating insights from diverse disciplines, this work underscores the urgency of addressing microplastic pollution and outlines pathways toward protecting aquatic ecosystems and public health.