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Microplastics in Freshwaters: Implications for Aquatic Autotrophic Organisms and Fauna Health
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This review details the physical and chemical properties of microplastics found in freshwater environments and examines how they affect aquatic plants and animals. Researchers describe the mechanisms of biodegradation and the toxicity pathways triggered by microplastic exposure, which depend on particle size, concentration, type, and the species involved. The study emphasizes that freshwater ecosystems are permanently subjected to microplastic contamination, posing ongoing risks to the organisms that inhabit them.
Microplastics (MPs) represent small plastic particles with sizes between 1 μm and 5 mm, are insoluble in water, andclassified as primary (these are originally produced in small sizes) or secondary (the result of the degradation of plastic) types. MPs accumulate in all ecosystems, including freshwater environments, where they are subjected to degradation processes. Due to their ubiquitous nature, freshwater ecosystems, which have a vital importance in human life, are permanently subjected to these small plastic particles. In this context, MPs pollution is considered to be a global issue, and it is associated with toxic effects on all the elements of the freshwater environment. In this review, we present, in detail, the main physical (density, size, color, shape, and crystallinity) and chemical (chemical composition and modification of the MPs’ surface) properties of MPs, the mechanism of biodegradation, and the consequences of autotrophic organisms and fauna exposure by focusing on the freshwater environment. The toxicity mechanisms triggered by MPs are related to the critical parameters of the particles: size, concentration, type, and form, but they are also dependent on species exposed to MPs and the exposure route.
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Ecological effects of microplastics in freshwaters
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This review examined the ecological effects of microplastics in freshwater environments, summarizing evidence for physical and chemical harm to aquatic organisms including fish, invertebrates, and algae. It highlights the growing need to understand how microplastic contamination in rivers and lakes affects biodiversity and ecosystem function.
Microplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems: Sources, Transport and Ecotoxicological Impacts on Aquatic Life and Human Health
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This review summarizes how microplastics enter freshwater ecosystems from sources like industrial runoff, urban waste, and agriculture, and how they accumulate in sediments where aquatic organisms ingest them. Researchers found that microplastics reduce feeding efficiency, inhibit growth, and harm reproduction in freshwater species, while also acting as carriers for toxic chemicals that build up through the food chain. The study highlights the need for better waste management and further research to understand the full scope of risks to both aquatic life and human health.
Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review on occurrence, environmental effects, and methods for microplastics detection
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This review summarizes the current understanding of microplastic contamination in freshwater systems, from sources like wastewater treatment plants to their effects on aquatic life. Researchers note that microplastics can carry toxic chemicals and have been shown to cause intestinal damage and metabolic changes in fish. The paper highlights that freshwater microplastic pollution is a significant and growing concern that warrants more research attention.
Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Sources, Ecotoxicity, Detection & Remediation
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This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic sources, ecotoxicity, detection methods, and remediation strategies in aquatic environments. Researchers found that microplastics act as carriers for toxic chemicals and pose threats to both marine and freshwater ecosystems as well as human health through drinking water exposure. The study highlights the need for improved detection technologies and effective remediation approaches to address this growing environmental challenge.
Ecotoxicity of microplastics to freshwater biota: Considering exposure and hazard across trophic levels
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This review examines the toxic effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms across multiple levels of the food web, from biofilms and plankton to fish and amphibians. Researchers found evidence of harm in several species, though effects varied widely depending on particle size, type, and concentration. The study highlights that freshwater microplastic toxicity is still poorly understood compared to marine environments and calls for more standardized research.
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