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Microplastics as Emerging Environmental Contaminants: Sources, Distribution and Ecological Implications
Summary
This review examines the sources, environmental distribution, and ecological implications of microplastics, which are now found across aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments worldwide. The study discusses how these persistent plastic fragments can enter food webs and highlights priorities for future monitoring, risk assessment, and pollution mitigation efforts.
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