Impact of Microplastic (MP) Pollution in Seagrass Ecosystem

Abstract

Seagrass ecosystems are one of the vital coastal habitats that claim numerous ecological, economic, and social benefits. However, this unique underwater ecosystem is facing threats from MP (MP) pollution which is an emerging global concern. MPs are tiny, fragmented plastic bits (5mm) found all over the world. Plastics, used in daily life are frequently blindly discarded into the ocean by humans, causing harm to the marine ecosystem by lowering its quality. Since MPs can persist in the environment for a prolonged period, they can harm the environment and are difficult to eradicate. They are used by marine species, which results in their assimilation, biomagnification, and bioaccumulation in the trophic levels. The existing documentation and research on MP accumulation in seagrass habitats is remarkably limited. Additionally, taking into account more than a decade of research (from 2000 to 2023), none of the research that came out before 2017, demonstrated the severity of the issue and devoted efforts to address and manage the problem. India, is one among the nations having significant seagrass habitats. If prompt attention isn’t paid to tackling MP pollution in marine systems, it will eventually result in the disruption of seagrass beds. This review paper synthesizes current knowledge on the biological and chemical impact of MP pollution in seagrass ecosystems. This review article gives a brief idea about the seagrass ecosystems and their global as well as Indian distribution. It also explores the sources, distribution, and destiny of microplastics in various ecosystems, together with their potential ecological and biological consequences on seagrass and their associated organisms. Additionally, the paper discusses mitigation strategies and identifies critical research gaps, emphasizing the need for comprehensive studies to understand and mitigate the continuing effect of MPs on seagrass ecosystems.