From plastics to microplastics and organisms

Abstract

The amount of plastic waste and microplastics released into marine environments has increased rapidly in recent decades. The durability of plastic materials results in major problems following their release into the environment. This study provides an overview of recent findings on issues related to plastic degradation, the accumulation of microplastics in mussels and fishes, and the toxicological effects associated with the ingestion of microplastics. These findings confirm the serious problem of slowly degrading plastics (which rarely degrade fully) in natural marine environments. Microplastics have become widespread pollutants and have been detected in mussels and fish around the world. Microplastic particles, whether virgin or with adsorbed pollutants on their surfaces, pose a health problem after being ingested by marine organisms. This paper ends by highlighting the need for certain improvements in studies of these phenomena.

Abstract

This study provides an overview of recent findings on the problem of microplastics in the marine environment. Microplastic pollution is a very widespread problem. Microplastics have been identified in different mussel and fish species. Many studies also emphasize the adverse toxic effects on marine organisms after the ingestion of microplastics.