Microplastics pollution studies in India: A recent review of sources, abundances and research perspectives

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous, persistent pollutants reported in abundance in all environments and biota. The main objective of this review is to identify the sources, distribution, and concentration of MPs in all aquatic environments and biota in the Indian region. On sources of the Web of Science (WoS), 45 papers on MPs were published in total between 2013 and 2020. To define the concentration of MPs in different aquatic environments, 3096 items/kg in marine sediments, 106 items/kg in biota, 59 items/L in seawater, 175 items/kg in sea salt, 33.9 items/L in lake water, 336 items/kg in lake sediments, 288 pieces/m3 in river water, and 328 items/kg in river sediments were investigated in previous studies. Consequently, we studied the distribution and occurrence of pollution from MPs in coastal and freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, and biota. Therefore, we propose extending studies in all the above areas, knowing that there are many unique aquatic habitats and species that are yet unexplored. For future research, we suggest new methods for sampling MPs in all marine ecosystems and biota. Assessing research in each of these ways will allow for suggesting a MP threshold level and devising control initiatives to minimize plastic consumption and its eventual hazard to the aquatic ecosystem. Moreover, enforcing strict laws, enhancing legal initiatives, well-planned comprehensive waste management policies, and spontaneous public engagement is essential to create awareness of marine plastic pollution and reduce the adverse effects of land-based plastics. Marine sediments have a higher concentration of MPs than sea salt, biota, or seawater. Researchers should assess the findings in these ways to reduce plastic consumption and the threat it poses to the marine ecosystem.