We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on aquatic food web, from primary producer to human: A review
Summary
This review traces the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics through the aquatic food web, from algae and zooplankton up through fish and ultimately to human consumers. Researchers found evidence that microplastics cause harm at every trophic level, including reduced growth, reproductive impairment, and inflammatory responses. The study highlights that microplastics can transfer up the food chain, raising concerns about cumulative exposure in seafood-consuming populations.
The prevalence of microplastics in global waters raises the concern about their potential effects on aquatic biota. In aquatic environment, microplastics are almost ubiquitously present in all compartments from surface water to benthic sediment, making them accessible to a wide range of aquatic biota occupying different habitats. Exposure to microplastics may induce detrimental implications to the health of aquatic organisms. This review describes the wide occurrence of microplastics ingestion by aquatic fauna and evaluates the ecotoxicological effects of microplastics as well as the associated chemicals on aquatic biota including phytoplankton and fauna from both freshwater and marine environments. Trophic transfer of microplastics and associated contaminants along the aquatic food chain and potential impacts on human health are also discussed. Finally, this review emphasizes the current knowledge gaps and gives recommendations for the future work.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics: understanding the interaction with the food web and potential health hazards
This review traces how microplastics move through aquatic food webs, from tiny filter-feeding organisms up to predatory fish, and ultimately to humans who consume seafood. Evidence indicates that microplastics can accumulate and concentrate at each level of the food chain, carrying toxic chemicals that may cause inflammation and hormone disruption. The authors stress the need for more research to understand these pathways and develop strategies to reduce microplastic contamination in food.
Microplastic Contamination in the Marine Food Web
This review examines the contamination of the marine food web by microplastics, tracing the pathways by which plastic particles enter and move through trophic levels from primary producers to top consumers including marine mammals and humans, and summarizing evidence for toxicological effects and human exposure through seafood consumption.
Microplastics and associated contaminants in the aquatic environment: A review on their ecotoxicological effects, trophic transfer, and potential impacts to human health
This review examines how microplastics and the chemical contaminants they carry move through aquatic food chains from small organisms up to larger predators. Researchers found that microplastics can transfer toxic additives and absorbed pollutants to organisms that ingest them, with potential implications for seafood safety and ultimately human health.
Ecotoxicological effects of microplastics on biota: a review
This review examines the ecological impact of microplastics on organisms across different levels of the food chain, from plankton to fish. Researchers found that microplastic exposure triggers a range of harmful effects including oxidative stress, immune disruption, reproductive problems, and altered feeding behavior. The evidence suggests that microplastics pose a widespread toxicological threat to wildlife, though more research is needed to understand the long-term population-level consequences.
Effects of Microplastics on Living Organisms and their Trophic Transfer: An Ecotoxicological Review
This ecotoxicological review examines the effects of microplastics on living organisms across multiple trophic levels and their transfer through food webs, covering evidence from aquatic and terrestrial environments. The authors highlight the cumulative risks posed by microplastic ingestion and tissue accumulation.