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Microplastics as Emerging Environmental Contaminants: Sources, Distribution and Ecological Implications
Summary
This review summarizes current knowledge on microplastics as globally distributed environmental contaminants, covering their sources, transport pathways, and ecological impacts. Researchers highlight that these plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm are now detected in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments and can enter food webs, while noting significant research gaps in monitoring and risk assessment.
Microplastics have emerged as globally distributed environmental contaminants receiving increasing scientific attention due to their persistence, widespread occurrence, and potential ecological and human health implications. These particles, generally defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm, originate from both primary and secondary sources and are now detected in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments. Their small size facilitates transport across ecosystems and potential entry into food webs. This review summarizes current knowledge on the sources, environmental distribution, transport pathways, ecological impacts, and emerging concerns related to microplastic pollution. Furthermore, existing research gaps and future priorities for monitoring, risk assessment, and mitigation are discussed