Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment—The Occurrence, Sources, Ecological Impacts, Fate, and Remediation Challenges
Open Access
- 18 June 2021
- journal article
- review article
- Published by MDPI AG in Pollutants
- Vol. 1 (2), 95-118
- https://doi.org/10.3390/pollutants1020009
Abstract
Microplastics are discharged into the environment through human activities and are persistent in the environment. With the prevalent use of plastic-based personal protective equipment in the prevention of the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the concentration of microplastics in the environment is envisaged to increase. Potential ecological and health risks emanate from their potential to adsorb and transport toxic chemicals, and ease of absorption into the cells of living organisms and interfering with physiological processes. This review (1) discusses sources and pathways through which microplastics enter the environment, (2) evaluates the fate and behavior of microplastics, (3) discusses microplastics in African aquatic systems, and (4) identifies research gaps and recommends remediation strategies. Importantly, while there is significant microplastics pollution in the aquatic environment, pollution in terrestrial systems are not widely studied. Besides, there is a dearth of information on microplastics in African aquatic systems. The paper recommends that the governments and non-governmental organizations should fund research to address knowledge gaps, which include: (1) the environmental fate of microplastics, (2) conducting toxicological studies under environmentally relevant conditions, (3) investigating toxicity mechanisms to biota, and developing mitigation measures to safeguard human health, and (4) investigating pollutants transported by microplastics. Moreover, regulatory measures, along with the circular economy strategies, may help reduce microplastic pollution.Keywords
This publication has 158 references indexed in Scilit:
- Adsorption of trace metals to plastic resin pellets in the marine environmentEnvironmental Pollution, 2012
- Brominated flame retardants: sources, distribution, exposure pathways, and toxicityEnvironmental Reviews, 2011
- Biodegradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) by fungi isolated from marine water– a SEM analysisAfrican Journal of Microbiology Research, 2011
- Accumulation of Microplastic on Shorelines Woldwide: Sources and SinksEnvironmental Science & Technology, 2011
- A Thermodynamic Approach for Assessing the Environmental Exposure of Chemicals Absorbed to MicroplasticEnvironmental Science & Technology, 2011
- Organic pollutants in microplastics from two beaches of the Portuguese coastMarine Pollution Bulletin, 2010
- Contributing to marine pollution by washing your face: Microplastics in facial cleansersMarine Pollution Bulletin, 2009
- Applications and societal benefits of plasticsPhilosophical Transactions B, 2009
- Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlifePhilosophical Transactions B, 2009
- Biological degradation of plastics: A comprehensive reviewBiotechnology Advances, 2008