Macro Issues of Microplastics

Since the first record of small plastic fragments in the North Atlantic Ocean in the 1970s, diversified microplastic (MP) research has been conducted worldwide. However, a plethora of recent publications on MP justify the growing interest of the wider scientific community in MP research and its harmful impacts on the environment. Its minute size, ability to further degrade into nanoplastics, infinite presence, and escalating dispersion make it one of the pervasive environmental issues. In line with the demands, global plastic production reached 400 million tons in 2022, an alarmingly disproportionate growth in MP. Therefore, it is imperative to take timely actions to reduce the input, switch to alternatives, and control the burden. Large-scale plastic producers, the scientific community, policymakers, and end users are equal stakeholders in mitigating the impacts of plastic pollution. Trends for more eco-friendly biodegradable polymers, continuous product enhancements, and the introduction of rules and regulations on the discarding of synthetic polymers, together with improving public interest to switch to more environmentally healthy alternatives, are among the positive movements. Furthermore, standardization and optimization of qualitative and quantitative MP assessments, an in-depth understanding of the impact of post-degradation derivatives, and stern policy changes facilitating Refuse–Reduce–Reuse–Recycle (the 4Rs) are needed. This chapter will look at various impacts of MPs on the environment and biota, provide an outlook on MP research, and discuss the importance of accurate data acquisition and the need for a carbon-neutral circular economy.