Occurrence and Fate of Microplastics in Freshwater Resources

Abstract

AbstractMicroplastics are one of the emerging pollutants in the world. This pollutant is present in all parts of the environment, especially in water. The principal sources of microplastics in water are divided into two categories, primary and secondary. The primary microplastics are primarily produced in micrometer sizes in factories and enter the water through the wastewater treatment effluent. However, secondary microplastics originate from the decomposition of larger plastics deposited in shorelines and gradually enter the water over time. Microplastic entry into the water also occurs through transporting from the atmosphere and soil; for example, microplastics in the atmosphere can deposit on the soil surface or into the water. In addition, microplastics in the soil can be washed into freshwater through runoff and eventually enter the seas and oceans. Ultimately, the microplastics in the water either settle into the sediments or enter the body of aquatic organisms in various ways. Therefore, accumulating microplastics in the body of aquatic organisms originates health problems. Furthermore, microplastics can cause problems for humans who may consume them as seafood. Therefore, it is clear that there is an urgent need to develop removal methods for this contaminant. Wastewater treatment plants cannot entirely remove microplastics, so specific removal techniques are being developed in recent years.KeywordsOccurrenceFateMicroplasticFreshwater