Microplastic generation, distribution, and removal from the environment: a review

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the environment is a highly relevant and aggravating environmental problem, which is a concern not only for specialists in various fields but also for everyone who cares about the future of our Planet. The ever-increasing production of polymers and the expanding use of plastic products escalates MP concentrations in the Earth's ecosystem. The need to control the accumulation and spread of MPs is caused by the current crisis, in which no microplastic-free areas have remained on the Earth. The number of studies dealing with the existing and potential threat to living organisms from the accumulation and consumption of MPs is increasing every year. The aim of this review is to systematize the available information on the occurrence of MPs in the environment and briefly describe the main types of polymer materials acting as MP sources and mechanisms of MP formation and transport in the environment. The hazardous behaviour of MPs is analyzed by considering their impact on the physiology of aquatic and soil organisms. Special emphasis is on demonstrating the adverse environmental effects of the emissions from 3D printing with polymer materials. An overview of various methods for MP capture is given to facilitate the analysis and development of more reliable methods for MP removal and disposal. As a result of the review, we assess the long-term environmental and human health consequences of MP exposure. Understanding the mechanisms of MP formation, lifecycle in the environment, and ways of interaction with living organisms will facilitate the development of methods for controlling the spread of MPs and the design and implementation of effective techniques for environmental remediation to prevent adverse ecological consequences. The bibliography includes 244 references.