Unveiling the microplastic crisis: Insights into Bangladesh's aquatic ecosystems - origins, impact, and solutions

Microplastics (MPs) are an increasingly concerning type of environmental pollutant due to their abundance and the potential for bioaccumulation in aquatic food organisms. The presence of MPs in the natural waters is a clear indication of the incorrect disposal of plastic debris and the rapid growth of synthetic plastic production. An inclusive understanding of the sources, transportation, fate, and consequences of plastic waste is crucial for accurately estimating the global transit of plastic pollution and reducing its sources and hazards. Bangladesh is a significant contributor to global plastic pollution, and this review aims to summarize the existing knowledge and research gap on MP pollution in aquatic ecosystems in Bangladesh over the past five years. This article discusses the features, occurrence, and potential hazardous effects of MPs on aquatic organisms and humans to provide innovative approaches for sustainable remediation. It emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to reducing plastic inputs into the aquatic environment, including regulation on production and consumption of plastics, using bio-based and biodegradable plastics, improving plastics life cycle, eco-friendly design for production, extended producer accountability over waste management, prioritizing recycling, creating demand for recycled plastics, and improving waste collection and management systems. The study purposes further research into plastic pollution in Bangladesh, explore environmentally friendly plastic substitutes, and provide decision-makers with effective strategies to address the plastic pollution problem in Bangladesh.