MICROPLASTICS AS AN EMERGING THREAT TO THE FRESHWATER FISHES: A REVIEW

Abstract

In the present scenario, microplastics (MPs) are emitted into the environment either directly from the use of cosmetic products or indirectly from the decomposition of big plastic items. These are commonly found in aquatic environments and amongst the most serious threats to freshwater ecosystems. Plastic components are broken down into the small fragments from large fragments during the treatment procedure in treatment plants of wastewater. Such plants act as an entry point for the MPs into the aquatic ecosystem; so it is necessary that MPs must be removed from the wastewater during the treatment process. Microplastics can be consumed directly by fish or indirectly through prey that contains these particles. These MPs can have a variety of ecotoxicological consequences on fish, including behavioural changes, cytotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and liver stress, among other things. The presence of microplastics along with the contaminants can boost the deposition of such contaminants in aquatic biota. Since the microplastics are of emerging concern, hence authors attempted to explain the possible impacts of these particles on aquatic species and human beings.