Effects of Microplastics on Ecosystem and Biodiversity

"Biodiversity is critically important for ecosystem health, encompassing relationships among plants, animals, and microorganisms. Changes in ecosystem components can negatively impact biodiversity. Microplastics are synthetic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm in size, formed by the fragmentation of plastics through physical and chemical processes. These particles can appear in various colors, corresponding to different plastic types (e.g., PET, PVC, PS, PE, PP, POM, PA, PC, ABS, PMMA), and are categorized by size and form (e.g., fragment, film, fiber, pellet, foam). Microplastics reach ecosystems primarily through exposed water sources and terrestrial areas, breaking down further into smaller particles due to physicochemical factors; particles under 1 μm are called nanoplastics. Research has shown that microplastics can be absorbed by plants, reach aquatic organisms, and travel to higher trophic levels through the food chain. Their high surface area and fragmentation make microplastics effective adsorbents for other pollutants, turning them into vectors for contaminant transfer between different environmental matrices, thus posing significant threats to ecosystem health and biodiversity. In recent years, studies on microplastics’ spread in the environment and their effects on ecosystems have increased. However, the lack of standardized reference materials and methods for defining microplastic types, sizes, and forms poses challenges for research. Consequently, regulations to limit microplastics in food and feed are still not established. In this context, developing standardized methods for measuring microplastics in environmental matrices, foods, and other ecosystem components, as well as understanding their effects on health, ecosystems, and biodiversity, are key areas for future research."