Microplastics and it’s Impact on Aquatic Environment

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs), a small piece (<5mm) of plastic debris, are amongst the most serious threats to aquatic ecosystems. These are commonly found in aquatic environments due to the widespread use of plastic items. Plastic components are broken down from the large fragments into small fragments during the treatment procedure in treatment plants of wastewater, these plants can operate as the entry points for the MPs into the aquatic ecosystem; so it is necessary that MPs must be removed from the wastewater during the treatment process. However, there is not sufficient data available about MPs’ impact on the ecological services cascade and how it is linked with the declining biodiversity. This review examines the outcomes of MPs in the aquatic environment, their role as carriers, and the possible influence of MPs on aquatic biota. In this review detailed overview of existing knowledge regarding MP aggregation in the aquatic ecosystem is provided.