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Mitigating the Impacts of Macro- and Microplastics on Marine Ecosystems: An Overview of Supporting Strategies and Cleanup Systems
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This review paper rounds up what researchers already know about tackling plastic pollution in our oceans, from laws banning single-use plastics, to eco-friendly bioplastics, to cleanup technologies for beaches and waterways. While it doesn't test new solutions itself, it matters for your health because ocean plastic breaks down into microplastics that end up in seafood, drinking water, and eventually our bodies, so reducing plastic pollution at the source is a key step toward limiting our own exposure.
In recent years, plastic litter in marine ecosystems has emerged as a global concern. Consequently, efforts to control, mitigate, and remove micro- and macroplastics from marine systems have intensified. In order to thoroughly analyze this topic, the present work provides a comprehensive overview of various strategies aimed at reducing plastic waste pollution spread in marine areas. Based on this, worldwide regulations limiting single-use plastic (SUP) products and microplastics in health care products were discussed. Further attention was also paid to bioplastic production as a potential alternative to non-degradable ones, with particular attention to their different degradability rates in various environmental compartments. Finally, strategies for the reduction in plastic pollution were specifically analyzed through a review of plastic litter collection/removal systems from beaches and the marine environment as well as different waterways. According to the above-mentioned aspects, this work highlights the significance of marine plastic litter pollution and provides support for the identification and selection of effective strategies for the mitigation of the impact of such litter on the environment.
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Ocean Pollution by Microplastics: Sources, Impacts and Global Challenges
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This review paper pulls together existing research on how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) are polluting our oceans, where they come from, and how they spread through marine ecosystems. It matters for your health because these plastics work their way up the food chain — from tiny sea creatures to the fish and shellfish on your plate — and scientists are still trying to understand the full impact of ingesting them over time.
Evaluating Solutions to Marine Plastic Pollution
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This review evaluates different approaches to tackling ocean plastic pollution, from cleanup technologies to policy measures and material alternatives. The authors note that millions of tons of plastic float in the oceans, forming large accumulations, and that microplastics entering the food chain pose risks to human health. The review emphasizes that no single solution will work alone and that combining prevention, cleanup, and better waste management is essential.
Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Sources, Distribution, Transport, Ecological and Human Health Impacts and Mitigation Strategies
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This review pulls together existing research on how tiny plastic particles, from everyday things like laundry lint and face wash, end up flowing through our drains and into the ocean, where they make their way into seafood. Eating contaminated seafood or breathing in these particles has been linked to skin issues, heart problems, digestive trouble, and breathing difficulties. The takeaway: better wastewater treatment and reducing plastic use at home aren't just good for the ocean, they're steps toward protecting your own health too.
Plastic Pollution in Coastal and Marine Environments: Sources, Impacts, and Solutions
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This review paper pulls together existing research on how plastic waste—from littering, industrial dumping, and single-use products—ends up in our oceans and coastlines, breaking down into tiny "microplastics" that marine animals eat and that work their way up the food chain (potentially onto your dinner plate). While the paper doesn't directly test human health effects, it highlights that these microplastics can carry harmful chemicals, making better waste management, recycling, and global regulations important not just for ocean life, but for the food we eventually consume.
Marine plastic pollution: ecological risks, environmental distribution, and sustainable mitigation perspectives
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This review pulls together existing research on how plastic waste, from big debris down to tiny microplastics, is building up in our oceans and harming marine life through ingestion, toxic exposure, and habitat damage. This matters for people too, since contaminated seafood and disrupted ecosystems can affect food safety and public health. The authors stress that better waste management and global cooperation are needed to fix it.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.