Ecological and toxicological manifestations of microplastics: current scenario, research gaps, and possible alleviation measures

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) and associated contaminants have become a major environmental concern. From available literature, their ubiquitous presence is now well established. However, the kind and level of toxicological impacts these MPs accomplish on various life forms are not well understood. Nevertheless, the environmental toxicity of MP is now being revealed gradually with supporting studies involving groups of lower organisms. Additionally, the presence of microplastics also disturbs the functions of ecosystem through affecting the vulnerable life forms, thus ecological manifestations of MPs also need to be analyzed. The present review encompasses an overview of toxicological effects mediated by various types of MPs present in the environment; it covers the types of toxicity they may cause and other effects on humans and other species. In this review, aquatic systems are used as primary models to describe various eco-toxicological effects of MPs. Various research gaps as well as methods to alleviate the level of MPs, and future strategies are also comprehensively highlighted in the review.

Keywords:

• Microplastics
• toxicity
• aquatic organisms
• oxidative stress
• mitigation options
• persistent organic pollutants

Acknowledgements

Authors are thankful to Dr. Anshu Gupta (Assistant Professor, University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi, India) for her valuable suggestions and careful reading of the final version of the MS.