Microplastics in freshwater ecosystem: A serious threat for freshwater environment

There is an emerging concern about the accumulation of MPs in aquatic ecosystems. In this context as compared to the study of marine environment the freshwater environment has not yet been explored. Microplastics have become an emerging hazard to the natural environment and humanity, which can now be frequently found in different aquatic bodies. Due to their pervasive occurrence in the environment, it can impose severely negative impacts on aquatic organisms. Microplastic particles can also associate with other pollutants like metals and different organic pollutants, which further increase their toxicity. Riverine systems are the most important transporters of these materials from terrestrial to marine environments. It is documented that amongst the rivers, Yangtze (China) contributes the highest plastic litter discharge followed by the Indian, Ganges to the marine environment. In India, scanty data are available on MPs contamination in freshwater environs and it was found that more weightage has been given to the marine environment of east and west coastal regions. Therefore, this paper aims at reviewing the existing as well as current research progress on the abundance, distribution, toxicity, and effects of MPs pollution in the riverine ecosystem in India.