Origination, fate, accumulation, and impact, of microplastics in a marine ecosystem and bio/technological approach for remediation: A review

Abstract

Plastic’s widespread use in everyday life has resulted in massive amounts of plastic waste, posing a significant environmental burden. Microplastics have been widely dispersed throughout various ecosystems, and their microplastics pollution is already prevalent in marine ecosystems, contributing to an increase in awareness over the last few decades. More than 50% of all plastic pollution is disposed in landfills, with incineration accounting for almost one-fifth of all waste management. Nearly one-tenth of plastic debris is reused, with the remainder, approximately one-fifth of all improperly handled plastic waste, ending up in land and marine environments. A number of studies are being conducted to determine the source of microplastics along with their negative impact on marine organisms and, ultimately, human health. Hence, we compiled and scientifically discussed in this review the source, accumulation, and detrimental effects of microplastics on the marine ecosystem. Furthermore, the progress in bioremediation options for microplastics remediation in marine aquatic ecosystems was thoroughly examined. It was discovered that growing scientific data reveals the existence of various forms of microplastics in food, and the aquatic ecosystem, as well as ultimately reaching humans. This review provides the collective information about the source and accumulation of microplastics as well as their impacts on aquatic organisms. Furthermore, in this review limitation in the microplastic detection and also research gaps in the remediation techniques were discussed. Furthermore, precise investigational research is required to support the negative effects of microplastics particles on human health. To address the microplastics pollution issues in marine environment, a few steps as well as attempts need to be taken. The knowledge gained from this review will serve as a foundation for future marine microplastics research and management techniques.