Assessing the Impact of Microplastic Pollution on Coastal Ecosystems: a Multidimensional Environmental Approach

Abstract Microplastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pervasive and insidious environmental threats of the 21st century. Defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimeters, microplastics infiltrate nearly every ecological compartment—from the upper atmosphere to the deepest ocean trenches. Their persistence, abundance, and complex interactions with biological and chemical systems have positioned them at the center of environmental science research worldwide. This article presents a comprehensive analysis of microplastic pollution in coastal ecosystems, exploring its sources, distribution, ecological effects, and implications for environmental management. Drawing on recent interdisciplinary studies, it examines how microplastics alter sediment dynamics, interfere with marine food webs, and influence the physicochemical properties of aquatic systems. Particular attention is given to the synergistic effects between microplastics and other pollutants such as heavy metals and persistent organic compounds. The study concludes that microplastic pollution is not a single-parameter problem but a multidimensional environmental crisis that requires integrative solutions—combining scientific monitoring, policy reform, and community participation.