Ecological and Health Implications of Microplastics in Water: A Short Review

Microplastics, which have become a critical threat, are seeping into aquatic ecosystems and posing an increasing risk to human health. This review categorizes the pollution sources: consumer products, (like microbeads in toiletries) as primary sources and secondary sources coming from degraded plastic waste. Ocean currents transport these particles globally, enabling them to carry toxic heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), intensifying their environmental impact. Accumulation in marine organisms leads to physical blockages, latent toxicity and mortality, while its presence in seafood directly affects human health. Addressing microplastic pollution demands innovative, multi-faceted solutions. Key recommendations include reducing reliance on single-use plastics, advancing water treatment technologies, and exploring robotic filtration to purify water. The study emphasizes the necessity for global and sustainable efforts to mitigate these pollutants, which represent a long-term ecological and health hazard.