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Microplastics: Challenges and roles as a vector – A literature review
Summary
Researchers reviewed the growing threats posed by microplastics (MPs) — tiny plastic particles less than 5mm — including their role as carriers (vectors) of heavy metals, antibiotic resistance genes, and other harmful pollutants into aquatic ecosystems and human bodies. The review concludes that urgent global strategies are needed to reduce plastic production and improve waste management to prevent worsening contamination.
The increase in the global population has led to a rise in the manufacturing and utilization of plastic products. Finally, the amount of plastic waste present in the environment has increased. With the increase in plastic waste and its conversion into smaller particles, the amount of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has increased. MPs pose a significant threat to human health and the environment. They are formed from the decomposition of plastic products under the influence of some process and they are known to carry a variety of pollutants, including heavy metals (HMs), antibiotic-resistance genes, microorganisms, and other contaminants. They also contain plastic additives. These particles also threaten the survival of aquatic organisms. Therefore, a lack of proper management and not having a strategic plan to control the use of plastics will affect the future life of humanity and the ecosystem. The objective of this mini_review article is to investigate the challenges posed by MPs, their role as a vector for pollutants, and the harms of MPs to Humans, Aquatic Animals, and the Ecosystem. In the end, it can be concluded that to address these challenges, it is crucial to continue efforts to prevent global pollution, use degradable additives and polymers, and reduce the production and consumption of plastic by providing good management programs. • MPs pose a significant threat to both human health and the environment. • MPs carry a variety of pollutants. • Crystallinity, the polymer type surface structures, and the specific surface area influence the absorption capacity of MPs.