Unveiling the effects of microplastics pollution on marine fauna

Abstract

AbstractMicroplastics have emerged as a pervasive environmental concern, threatening the health and stability of marine ecosystems worldwide. Microplastics permeate marine environments through various sources, including fragmentation of larger plastic debris, industrial discharges, and urban runoff. Once introduced into the marine ecosystem, microplastics interact with many organisms across trophic levels, from zooplankton to top predators. Through ingestion, entanglement, and bioaccumulation, microplastics pose direct threats to marine organisms' health, reproductive success, and survival. Moreover, microplastics serve as vectors for persistent organic pollutants, leaching harmful chemicals into the marine environment and exacerbating toxicity risk for marine life. This study highlights the broader ecological implications of microplastic pollution, including disruptions of marine food chain, and degradation of essential habitats such as coral reefs and estuaries. By altering species interactions and habitat structure, microplastics can compromise the resilience and functioning of marine ecosystems, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services. With the increase in microplastics in the marine environment it is important to have control measures as well. Comprehensive strategies for managing microplastic pollution should incorporate a combination of conventional approaches, including reduction at the source and targeted interventions to enhance degradation.