Plastic Pollution is a Serious Menace to Ecosystem Health with Special Reference to Aquatic Ecosystems and its Associated Challenges, Opportunities, and Mitigations

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics due to anthropogenic activities has been a serious threat to different ecosystem functions, may it be, air, soil, or water, as well as to human well-being. Our present understanding associated with the dynamics of microplastics, for example, their release, retention, accumulation, transfer, and across different ecosystems, is still scarce, especially for aquatic ecosystems. The presence of microplastics has been found to affect fish, birds, and mammals, including humans, who can consume and accumulate microplastics to various toxic levels. Taking into account the intricate relationships among plastic pollution and different ecosystems, the present study highlights the importance of collaborative efforts from different sectors, such as governments, industries, communities, and environmental organizations, to develop sustainable solutions and enact policies that promote responsible consumption and waste to reduce the negative effects of microplastic pollution on aquatic biodiversity. Additionally, the impact of plastic pollution on marine and freshwater for present and future generations, and the thorough study of preventative actions to lessen the negative effects of microplastic pollution on aquatic biodiversity, are discussed.