We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Sources, Fate, and Impact of Microplastics in Aquatic Environment
Summary
This review summarizes the sources, transport pathways, fate, and ecological impacts of microplastics in aquatic environments, noting that coastal areas have the highest concentrations but that microplastics sink and accumulate in deep sediments after fragmentation. The pervasive contamination of aquatic ecosystems poses threats to marine biota and food webs that ultimately affect human health.
Over the past decade, enhanced scientific interest has produced an expanding knowledge base for microplastics. The highest abundance of microplastics is typically associated with coastlines and oceans but the fate of these microplastics is elusive. Microplastics sink following fragmentation which is further ingested by marine biota thus imposes threat to them. Thus, the present review focuses on properties and sources of microplastics, its impact on environment, the bioaccumulation and trophic transfer of microplastics and its impact on living biota. This study would be helpful for the development and implementation of risk management strategies for managing the disposal of microplastics.