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Impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems: An analysis of their ecological effects
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This review of 31 studies found that microplastics are harming marine life, from tiny zooplankton to fish, seabirds, and turtles, causing cell damage, inflammation, and disrupted digestion, with these toxins building up as they move up the food chain. Since humans eat seafood from these same waters, this bioaccumulation is a red flag for what may end up on our plates, underscoring why researchers are calling for urgent action to reduce plastic pollution in oceans.
The presence of microplastics in marine ecosystems has generated growing concern about their ecological impacts.This study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) in databases such as Redalyc, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Scielo, Dialnet, and Scopus, selecting 31 relevant studies.The results show that organisms such as zooplankton, bivalves, echinoderm larvae, and small fish are especially vulnerable due to their diet, developmental stage, and trophic position.Significant risks were also identified for seabirds, turtles, and marine mammals, primarily through accidental ingestion and bioaccumulation The most common physiological effects include apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic imbalances, affecting digestive organs and enzymatic functions.Bioaccumulation throughout the food chain exacerbates these damages.Furthermore, densely populated coastal regions such as the Sundarbans, Lake Tai, and parts of Latin America have high levels of pollution, with negative impacts on marine biodiversity.The findings highlight the urgent need to implement actions to mitigate the ecological effects of microplastics in marine environments.
More Papers Like This
Ecological Impacts of Microplastics on Marine Organisms
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This review paper pulls together existing research on how tiny plastic particles (microplastics) build up in oceans and harm marine life like algae, shellfish, and fish—sometimes damaging their cells. Because these particles can move up the food chain from small organisms to larger ones, and seafood is a major part of many diets, this matters for humans too: what accumulates in fish and shellfish may eventually end up on our plates. The research doesn't pinpoint exact human health risks yet, but it underscores why scientists are increasingly concerned about plastic pollution's ripple effects through the food web.
Effects of marine microplastic on marine life and the food webs – A detailed review
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This review provides a comprehensive look at microplastic pollution in marine environments, covering sources, impacts on marine life, and risks to human health through the seafood supply chain. Microplastics cause physical harm like gut blockages in marine animals and can carry toxic chemicals that accumulate up the food chain. The authors emphasize that with global plastic production still rising, urgent policy action and better waste management are needed to protect both ocean ecosystems and human health.
Mapping of microplastic toxicity: Uptake, trophic transfer, and ecotoxicological risks in marine ecosystems
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This review pulls together existing research showing that tiny plastic particles (microplastics) build up in ocean life, moving from small organisms all the way up to the fish we eat, causing stress, inflammation, and cell damage along the way. Since these particles can carry harmful chemicals with them, and seafood is a major route of exposure for people, the findings highlight a real need for better monitoring and policies to protect both marine life and human health.
Ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on biota: a review
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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.
Unveiling the effects of microplastics pollution on marine fauna
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This review examines how microplastic pollution harms marine animals at every level of the food chain, from tiny plankton to large predators. Through ingestion, entanglement, and building up in tissues over time, microplastics disrupt feeding, reproduction, and growth in marine life, which also raises concerns about human exposure through seafood consumption.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.