Microplastics and living organisms: Are they at risk?

Microplastics' Dangers to Humans and Ecosystems

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Researchers reviewed the global dangers of microplastics to human health and ecosystems, characterizing these particles as a pervasive pollutant with the potential to cause widespread harm across multiple environmental compartments and biological systems.

Influence of microplastic on the aquatic ecosystem

Microplastics in Biota

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Microplastics have been detected in biota across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, demonstrating their ability to enter food webs at multiple trophic levels. Their omnipresence in living organisms raises concerns about bioaccumulation of both the plastic particles and the chemical additives and adsorbed pollutants they carry.

Microplastics in Biota

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Researchers summarized evidence that microplastics have infiltrated living organisms across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems, posing a broad threat to biodiversity. Their persistence in biological tissues means they can accumulate up the food chain, ultimately reaching humans through diet.

Environmental Fate and Effects of Microplastics on Organisms

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This review examined the environmental fate of microplastics — including fragmentation dynamics, sorption of co-contaminants, and bioaccumulation through food webs — alongside their toxic effects on organisms ranging from invertebrates to mammals. Understanding how plastics persist, concentrate toxicants, and biomagnify through trophic levels is essential for predicting long-term health consequences for wildlife and human consumers.