Nanoplastic Pollutants Affecting Fisheries Sector All Over the World

Future environmental hazards from developing pollutants like nanoplastics cannot be disregarded. There is general agreement that these are not only present in the environment - either directly released or as a result of weathering of larger fragments - but that they pose a serious threat to the environment and human health, as well. However, their presence has been difficult to adequately ascertain due to the inherent technical difficulties for isolating and quantifying them. These particles are suitable for consumption by species at the bottom of the food chain due to their smaller size. Furthermore, because nanoparticles often have a high surface area to volume ratio, additional pollutants, like persistent organic pollutants, may be adsorbed and subjected to bioaccumulation and bio-amplification events. Recent discussions among scientists, policymakers, and the general public have focused on nanoplastics since the weathering of macroplastics could result in a significant load of nanoplastics in different ecosystems. This chapter will put light on the adverse effects caused by nanoplastics accumulation in the aquatic environment that is the subject of concern today and some of the remediation processes with special reference to microbial remediation.