Microplastic Pollution: Challenges, Ameliorating Strategies and Governance Policies

Concern over the amount of plastics and microplastics (MPs) waste in the environment is growing, and many researchers are now concentrating on this emerging issue. MPs are new environmental contaminants that have drawn a lot of attention. They are tiny particles that are utilized in household, commercial cleaning products, cosmetics, and have accumulated in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The fragmentation of bigger plastic objects, synthetic fiber shedding, tire abrasions, direct release from personal hygiene products and industrial activities are the sources of these particles. After being discharged into the environment, MPs have the potential to damage ecosystems, build up in living things, injure people, and contain chemicals that are harmful to both wildlife and people. Plastics that are broken down chemically or physically might pose numerous environmental risks. Although their precise methods have not yet been fully investigated, the data and research studies now available indicate that a significant number of microorganisms are engaged in the biodegradation of plastic. Therefore, it is essential to compile and evaluate the current state of research in order to improve our understanding of how microorganisms metabolize and use MPs, as well as to find ways to acquire more functional microbes and increase their MPs-degrading activity. To decrease plastic usage and consumption and to offer incentives for preventing plastic pollution and reducing trash, strict rules are needed at the municipal, national, regional, and global levels. The present review highlights the distribution of the MPs in diverse ecosystems along with considering their negative impact on biodiversity and environment. The review further discusses the mechanisms of MPs degradation and governance strategies to alleviate the MPs pollution.