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Microplastics – A major contaminant in marine macro algal population: Review
Summary
This review identified the occurrence and characteristics of microplastics in marine macroalgae, highlighting macroalgae as both indicators of MP pollution and potential entry points for microplastics into marine food webs.
Microplastics (MPs) are a significant concern in this modern environment, and the marine environment is a sink for them now. Researchers have taken an interest in marine microplastic studies recently, which has opened the door to research in macroalgae and microalgae. Macroalgae are the primary producers in maritime ecosystems and are economically significant. This review aimed to identify the microplastic interactions with marine macroalgae and the impacts of microplastics on macroalgae based on existing literature while also recognizing knowledge gaps. MPs were mostly fibers and polymers with notable production and application levels; their abundance differed among species. More MPs were found in filamentous species than in other types. The results of this study indicated that, in maritime environments, macroalgae contribute to MP biomagnification and bioaccumulation. Adequate studies are needed to fill the research gaps in this area of MPs in macroalgae and their effects.
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