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Microplastics as Indicators of Environmental Pollution and Their Effects on Organisms
Original title: Microplásticos Como Indicadores De Poluição Ambiental E Seus Efeitos Sobre Os Organismos
Summary
This Portuguese-language review examines microplastics as indicators of environmental pollution and their effects on aquatic organisms. It highlights how improper disposal of plastic waste leads to microplastic accumulation in water bodies, threatening marine and freshwater life.
Population growth combined with a high consumption of durable and non-durable materials results in a large production of waste, which in turn is not always treated or disposed of properly. Plastic waste has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide, as it remains in the environment for decades to centuries, causing direct and indirect damage to the entire ecosystem. This study aimed to conduct research on sources and effects of microplastics in the environment. To this end, a search was carried out in journals published in the last 11 years. The results revealed that microplastics are present in all environments, coming from different sources and, when available, these microplastics can be inhaled, ingested and/or transported to organisms, causing irreversible damage, while in the environment they can cause adverse effects. in functionality and diversity.