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Microplastics in ecosystems and health
Summary
This review summarizes how microplastics originate from degrading macroplastics and intentionally manufactured products, describes their impacts on marine organisms and human health, and surveys emerging recycling technologies and regulatory responses. It provides a useful plain-language synthesis of why microplastics are a dual environmental-and-health problem, acting both as physical contaminants and as vectors for toxic chemicals.
Microplastics are very small plastic particles, less than 5mm in diameter. These materials may originate from the degradation of larger plastic products, such as bottles and bags, or may be intentionally manufactured for use in cosmetics. Microplastics are a significant environmental problem because they can be ingested by marine animals and other living things, causing them significant damage. Furthermore, these materials can act as toxic contaminants. The objective of this study is to know and understand the negative effects of microplastics on ecosystems, and on human health, and to know the technologies that are being used to reduce this type of contamination through recycling and the development of alternatives to plastic, as well as knowing the policies that are being developed to address this problem. This study seeks to create greater public awareness of the problem, improve understanding of the effects on ecosystems, and identify the sources and routes of entry of microplastics into the environment. In summary, research on microplastics is essential to address the problem of plastic pollution and to find effective solutions to protect our environment and health.