We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics: A Significant Threat to Freshwater Ecosystems
Summary
This review assessed the mounting threats microplastics pose to freshwater ecosystems, noting that with only 7% of global plastic recycled annually, particles accumulate in rivers, lakes, and groundwater where they impair aquatic organisms through physical blockage, chemical toxicity, and pathogen transport. Freshwater systems are both critical biodiversity habitats and the source of drinking water for billions of people, making their contamination by microplastics a direct threat to human health through water consumption and food.
The exponential growth in global plastic production, amounting to a remarkable 360 million tons annually, has led to a critical environmental crisis. With a mere 7% of plastic undergoing recycling, the majority of this waste accumulates unchecked in the...