Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystems: Environmental Behaviour, Biological Impacts, and Public Health Implications- A Comprehensive Review
K. Nikhil
Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
Ediga Arun Goud
College of Fisheries, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, 415 629, India.
Vaijnath Aitwar *
College of Fishery Science, Narsapuram, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh- 534 275, India.
Chamundeshwari Bitli
College of Fishery Science, Narsapuram, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh- 534 275, India.
A. Usharani
College of Fishery Science, Narsapuram, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh- 534 275, India.
Kranthi Kumar Dhande
College of Fishery Science, Narsapuram, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh- 534 275, India.
U. Prasanna Laxmi
College of Fishery Science, Narsapuram, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh- 534 275, India.
H. Sirisha
College of Fishery Science, Narsapuram, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh- 534 275, India.
Pragati Inwati
College of Fisheries, Lembucherra, Tripura – 799210, India.
K. Madhavi
College of Fishery Science, Narsapuram, West Godavari, Andhra Pradesh- 534 275, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Microplastics and nanoplastics are pervasive contaminants in freshwater and marine systems. Here, the current evidence on their major sources and pathways, phytochemical characteristics, environmental fate (transport, fragmentation, biofouling, and sedimentation), and ecological effects across trophic levels is synthesized. We also summarize human exposure routes (seafood, drinking water, and inhalation), health-relevant toxicological mechanisms (e.g., inflammation, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption), and the current state of analytical detection and monitoring (e.g., FTIR/Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis-GC/MS), including key limitations to comparability. Finally, we review regulatory and mitigation approaches and highlight research priorities such as harmonized definitions, method inter-comparisons, realistic chronic exposure studies, and quantitative risk-assessment frameworks. Addressing these gaps is essential for evidence-based regulation and reducing microplastic inputs to aquatic environments and the food chain.
Keywords: Microplastics, Nano-plastics, aquatic ecosystem, human exposure, ecotoxicology, bioaccumulation, plastic degradation, heavy metals, regulatory framework