Impact of microplastics pollution on aquatic life: Bioaccumulation and ecological consequences

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Paper

Author

Department of Zoology, Sardar Patel University Mandi

10.22059/poll.2025.388097.2723

Abstract

Microplastics consisting of plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters have been emerged as emerging pollutant worldwide due to their potential threat to life and environment. This article deals with an in-depth review of microplastics, including their origins, transport routes, bioaccumulation, and their impacts on fishes and aquatic invertebrates. Microplastics entered into aquatic environments through a variety of sources such as urban runoff, wastewater treatment plants, household items, industrial activities, and agricultural practices. Microplastics in the environment primarily originate from personal care products like microbeads and air blasting technologies. Secondary microplastics are generated from the breakdown of plastics through biological, chemical, and physical processes. The presence of microplastics in the aquatic ecosystems is controlled by their physical and chemical qualities and environmental interactions. Different analytical techniques like microscopy, spectroscopy, and chromatography are used for the detection and quantification of microplastics in the aqueous environment. The impact of microplastics on aquatic organisms like fishes and aquatic invertebrates has also been mentioned. The ingestion of microplastics causes physical harm, gastrointestinal blockage and abrasion, as well as chemical toxicity including oxidative stress. Microplastics also interfere with growth, reproduction, neurology, and behavior, posing serious effect to aquatic organisms and ecosystems.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Pollution

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 30 April 2025

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