Assessing microplastics in aquatic ecosystem: Sources, effects, and nature-based solution. A review

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) in the world ocean ranges from 0.002 to 62.50 item/m³, with a mean abundance of approximately 2.76 items/m³, with a mean size 2.50–2.63 mm. Plastics enter aquatic environments without treatment and undergo photodegradation, mechanical decomposition, and bacterial breakdown, which fragment them into finer particles. The potential toxic effects of these MPs on a diverse range of aquatic organisms and humans have generated global concern. MPs that are ingested by aquatic organisms can result in substantial adverse health effects, such as accumulation, impaired reproduction, disturbed functioning of gills, altered swimming behavior, immunosuppression, and bacterial dysbiosis. Various approaches have been applied for the removal of MPs; however, a nature-based mechanism is proposed, which could play a significant role in the mitigation of MPs in aquatic environments. This article provides a concise overview of the potential origins, pathways, bioavailability, trophic transfer, and effects of MPs on aquatic organisms. In addition, the review article aimed to emphasize a range of mitigation strategies, including the application of nanotechnology for MPs.