Effects of Microplastics on Living Organisms and their Trophic Transfer: An Ecotoxicological Review

Abstract

Plastic is used by individuals within many different fields, including the automotive, packaging, cosmetics, textile and apparel, agricultural and fisheries sector and industries. Nevertheless, it has become a hazard to our ecosystem due to its extended degradation and decadences in nature, unceasing rise in manufacture and consumption with the increasing human population. Microplastics (MPs) can enter in both soil and aquatic environments through a variety of channels, including surface runoff, storm water runoff, river flow, and wastewater discharge. As a possible hazard to aquatic life, the existence and consumption of MPs has drawn significant attention from throughout the world. These tiny plastic particles absorb various substances and emit harmful additives, serving as sinks for dangerous substances and enhancing their bioavailability, toxicity, and movement. Additionally, the trophic transfer or bioaccumulation of MPs in a variety of aquatic creatures poses a significant concern. MPs have the potential to seriously harm aquatic life, including reduced eating efficiency, physical side effects, impaired gill function, oxidative stress, neurological damage, suppression of immunity and developmental disruption.