We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
A Critical Review of Microplastic Effects on Wildlife and Biodiversity with Notes on Current Analytical Detection Techniques
Summary
This systematic review examines how microplastics affect wildlife and biodiversity, noting that most research has focused on marine invertebrates while land animals and vertebrates remain understudied. The evidence shows that microplastics can cause physical harm, chemical toxicity, and behavioral changes across many species. Understanding wildlife impacts matters for human health because microplastics move through food webs that ultimately include the foods people eat.
Microplastics are plastic particles of various shapes that are typically less than 5 mm in size. Microplastics have emerged as a significant environmental and health concern due to their persistence, bioavailability, and potential toxicity. These particles contain chemical compounds that may cause adverse effects on both the environment and living organisms. Extensive research has been conducted on the impact of microplastics. However, studies have largely focused on invertebrates and marine species, leaving significant gaps in understanding their effects on other wildlife groups. Hence, this review aims to comprehensively assess the general effects of microplastic pollution on wildlife and biodiversity, as well as the detection techniques used. Under a thorough systematic review of the SCOPUS database, the impacts of microplastic exposure on wildlife can be categorized into physiological, behavioral, toxicological, ecological, emerging areas, and effects on population growth. The findings reveal that 32% of reviewed studies focus on ecological impacts, primarily centered on invertebrates rather than fish, plants, mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. In addition, this review identifies key trends and critical knowledge gaps across all animal groups. As standardized methods for identifying microplastics have yet to be established, emerging detection techniques such as spectroscopic methods like Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (Py-GCMS) are still evolving. Further research is needed to fully understand the impact of microplastics on wildlife, which could influence long-term conservation management.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics and biodiversity: A comprehensive analysis of their ecological impact
This comprehensive analysis examined the ecological impacts of microplastics on biodiversity, reviewing evidence of harm to species across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. The review found widespread negative effects on reproduction, behavior, and survival that threaten biodiversity at multiple levels.
Microplastic Pollution: Chemical Characterization and Impact on Wildlife
This review analyzes the presence of microplastics across various wildlife species including fish, birds, and mammals, describing the analytical techniques used to identify and quantify these particles. Researchers found that microplastics are present in all wildlife species studied, with the highest concentrations typically found in fish and birds. The findings suggest that microplastics are widely distributed in the environment with the potential to affect a broad range of species.
Animal exposure to microplastics and health effects: A review
Researchers reviewed how microplastic exposure affects animals across terrestrial and aquatic environments, finding that species suffer physical harm, chemical contamination from pollutants that stick to plastic surfaces, inflammation, and behavioral changes. Because microplastics accumulate up the food chain, the review warns that animals entering the human food supply may carry these particles into our bodies.
The Detrimental Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Wildlife
This review examines the harmful effects of plastic pollution on wildlife across marine, coastal, and terrestrial habitats, including entanglement, ingestion, and chemical exposure. Researchers found that over 2,000 species are affected by plastic debris, with microplastics presenting a particular concern because they can accumulate toxic chemicals and enter food chains. The study calls for stronger policy measures and public awareness to reduce plastic waste and protect biodiversity.
Microplastics and the Impact of Plastic on Wildlife: A Literature Review
This review synthesizes evidence on microplastic ingestion and accumulation in seabirds and wildlife, examining the pathways by which microplastics move through marine food webs and the potential physiological harm to upper-trophic predators.