Microplastics: An Emerging Contaminant in Aquatic Ecosystems

Abstract

Microplastics are a common contaminant that has been found in almost all aquatic environments, which poses a hazard to the aquatic ecosystem. Direct discharges of microplastics into the environment occur from a variety of sources and accumulate pollutants from the surrounding environment, which later affect living organisms mostly by ingestion. Biomagnification and trophic transfer are the two major possible ways for microplastics to enter humans. Microplastic pollution has gained attention in recent years, which has increased understanding of its impacts on living organisms. This article focuses on the sources, characteristics and impacts of microplastics on the aquatic ecosystem and also discusses mitigation measures for microplastic pollution.