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Microplastics in Ecosystem – an Overview
Summary
This overview reviews how microplastics—particles smaller than 5 mm—originate from plastic degradation, are found globally in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, can be ingested by animals at multiple trophic levels, and pose risks to human health through chemical leaching and endocrine disruption. It highlights the need for further research on pollution control and mitigation strategies.
Plastics are ubiquitous in our daily lives, but their improper disposal and degradation lead to microplastics (MPs) in the environment. MPs, smaller than 5 mm, are found globally in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems ingested by animals and potentially harmful to human health. These tiny plastic particles can leach harmful chemicals and disrupt endocrine systems. This review aims at summarizing impacts of MPs on ecosystems and human health, highlighting the need for further research on pollution control and mitigation.