Micro and Nanoplastics Invasion Everywhere - Will it Take A Toll on Aquatic Organisms?

Abstract

Among various pollutants, plastic pollution in aquatic environments has a profound impact due to its extensive use and non-biodegradable nature. In 1950, global plastic production was a mere 1.5 million metric tons. However, by 2020, production had surged to a staggering 367 million metric tons. Larger plastics degrade into smaller fragments, known as microplastics (MPs) (<5 mm), and even finer particles called nanoplastics (NPs) (<100 nm or <0.01 μm), driven by environmental forces. Microplastics have been discovered throughout the globe, from oceans to land to air. Astonishingly, recent research has identified microplastics even within the human body. Given their resemblance to food particles, aquatic organisms may ingest these and once ingested, microplastics can induce physiological, hematological, endocrine, metabolic, reproductive, and teratogenic effects in aquatic organisms. Notably, microplastics and nanoplastics exert substantial influence on primary producers within aquatic ecosystems. The intricate interplay of plastic pollution within aquatic ecosystems necessitates comprehensive research and immediate action to mitigate its far-reaching consequences.