0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Policy & Risk Remediation Reproductive & Development Sign in to save

Ecotoxicological impacts of Microplastic (MP) Pollution in Fish

World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences 2025 Score: 48 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Dilip Garwal, Bhawna Srivastava, P.B Reddy

Summary

This review synthesizes evidence on microplastic bioaccumulation and ecotoxicological impacts in fish, examining tissue distribution patterns, immune disruption, reproductive harm, and behavioral effects. The authors conclude that microplastics cause multi-system health effects in fish with implications for aquatic ecosystem stability and food safety.

Study Type Environmental

Microplastic (MP) pollution has become a major environmental concern, mainly in aquatic ecosystems. The present study aims to evaluate the bioaccumulation, physiological impacts, and ecological risks of microplastic exposure in fish by synthesizing recent scientific findings. The objectives include assessing the effects of microplastics on fish health, identifying tissue distribution patterns, and examining immune, reproductive, and behavioral disruptions. This study synthesizes secondary data to outline effective strategies for mitigating microplastic (MP) pollution in aquatic ecosystems, highlighting source reduction, advanced wastewater treatment, and sustainable aquaculture. It highlights the harmful impacts of MPs on fish, including oxidative stress, tissue damage, and reproductive impairments, particularly in females, alongside their role in spreading antibiotic resistance genes and chemical contaminants. The study advocates for public awareness, stringent policies, standardized toxicity assessments, and bioremediation research. The study also highlights the frightening consequences of microplastic exposure, including transgenerational effects, metabolic disruptions, and behavioral alterations in fish. The findings highlight the need for strong mitigation strategies, such as improved wastewater treatment, biodegradable plastic alternatives, and stricter regulatory policies. Future research should focus on long-term ecological impacts, species-specific vulnerabilities, and the development of standardized testing protocols. Enhancing public awareness and promoting sustainable plastic management practices are vital to limit microplastic contamination and protect aquatic biodiversity.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Impacts of microplastic accumulation in aquatic environment: Physiological, eco-toxicological, immunological, and neurotoxic effects

This review summarizes how microplastics build up in fish and other aquatic life, causing damage to their immune systems, nervous systems, and overall health. When fish eat microplastics, the particles move up the food chain and can eventually reach humans through seafood consumption. The authors also discuss strategies for removing microplastics from water and reducing plastic pollution.

Article Tier 2

Microplastics bioaccumulation in fish: Its potential toxic effects on hematology, immune response, neurotoxicity, oxidative stress, growth, and reproductive dysfunction

This review finds that microplastics accumulate primarily in the guts and gills of fish before spreading to other tissues through the bloodstream, causing a cascade of harmful effects including blood changes, immune suppression, nerve damage, and reproductive problems. The severity of harm depends on the size and dose of particles and how long the fish are exposed, with implications for the safety of fish consumed by humans.

Article Tier 2

Environmental toxicology of microplastic particles on fish: A review

This review summarizes how microplastics harm fish through physical damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, immune suppression, genetic damage, and reproductive disruption. These effects matter for human health because toxic substances accumulate and concentrate as they move up the food chain from fish to the people who eat them.

Article Tier 2

Ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on biota: a review

This review examines the ecological impact of microplastics on organisms across different levels of the food chain, from plankton to fish. Researchers found that microplastic exposure triggers a range of harmful effects including oxidative stress, immune disruption, reproductive problems, and altered feeding behavior. The evidence suggests that microplastics pose a widespread toxicological threat to wildlife, though more research is needed to understand the long-term population-level consequences.

Article Tier 2

Exploring the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastics on freshwater fish: A critical review

This review examines how microplastics affect freshwater fish, which often mistake the tiny particles for food. Once ingested, microplastics do not stay in the gut -- they enter the bloodstream and spread to the gills, liver, brain, heart, and reproductive organs, causing hormonal, immune, neurological, and reproductive problems. Because microplastics build up in the food chain, the contamination of fish has broader implications for other animals and for people who eat freshwater fish.

Share this paper