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Microplastic Impact: A Concise Overview of Pollution and Effects
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Microplastics Pollution
Submitted:
21 December 2023
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21 December 2023
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Abstract
Microplastic contamination, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size, has become a major global environmental concern. This study synthesizes findings from carefully chosen studies undertaken in a variety of geographical areas and ecosystems, offering light on the multifaceted issues posed by microplastic pollution. These articles show the global prevalence of microplastics in both land and marine ecosystems. Seasonal fluctuations in microplastic abundance highlight the cyclical nature of this pollution, with larger amounts being reported during the summer months. Tourism, industrialization, and urbanization have all been highlighted as significant contributors to microplastic contamination, stressing the impact of man-made influences. Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have been identified as hotspots for microplastic release into aquatic habitats, emphasizing the need for enhanced treatment procedures. Because microplastics can build up in the food chain, it underlines the possible health problems connected with microplastic pollution for both aquatic creatures and human consumers. Longitudinal studies, geographical variety, in-depth health and ecological impact evaluations, standardization, and effective mitigation methods should be prioritized in future studies. To address this worldwide issue, interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, health professionals, politicians, and industrial stakeholders is required.
Keywords:
Subject: Environmental and Earth Sciences - Pollution
1. Introduction
The issue of solid waste is a significant environmental and health concern on a global scale. This problem arises from various materials that originate from many sources, such as industrial, commercial, mining, agricultural, and community activities (Medina. 2010; Nkwachukwu et al., 2010). The phrase "solid waste" encompasses many abandoned materials, which may exist in solid, liquid, semi-solid, or enclosed gaseous states (Eddine & Salah, 2012). Municipal Solid waste (MSW) is a multifaceted and diverse matter encompassing several types of waste, including home, commercial, institutional, street sweeping, building, and sanitary (Sharholy et al., 2008; Cheru, 2011; Ding et al., 2021). The development of MSW is closely intertwined with the consumption and production cycles, resulting in the conversion of mass-produced and commercialized products into waste (Weitz et al., 1999; Magazzino & Falcone, 2022).
The widespread use of plastic materials in our daily lives has resulted in indisputable societal benefits ranging from improved health to increased convenience in our daily routines. Nonetheless, the massive increase in plastic manufacture and consumption has resulted in a hidden hazard to our environment and human health: microplastic contamination. These small plastic particles, which are typically less than 5 mm in size, have invaded ecosystems all over the world, from the depths of our oceans to the air we breathe, leaving no corner of our planet unscathed (Zhai et al., 2023).
Plastics' extensive use and durability in modern civilization have resulted in unforeseen consequences, specifically the fragmentation of larger plastic goods into microplastics. As a result, these microscopic plastic particles enter ecosystems, contaminating air, water, soil, and even food. Microplastics are a formidable vector for pollutants due to their small size and capacity to adsorb hazardous substances, worsening their impact on both the environment and human health. Furthermore, the drinking water in developing nations is heavily contaminated with microplastics and other pollutants. Therefore, the usage of household water treatment technologies is essential to safeguard human health (Niloy & Chowdhury, 2017; Karim et al., 2018; Chowdhury et al., 2019).
A variety of scientific research is analyzed in this study, highlighting the severity of the microplastic dilemma. Each publication examines a distinct aspect of the microplastic problem, offering light on the varied challenges posed by these tiny contaminants. Figure 1 below illustrates how a chain mechanism allows our discarded plastic to end up on our dinner plates.
The studies that are being reviewed cover a wide range of geographic locations, including freshwater ecosystems in India (David et al., 2023), urban streets in Bangladesh (Rabin et al., 2023), marine environments in American Samoa (Polidoro et al., 2021), and wastewater treatment plants in Southeast Spain (Bayo et al., 2023). They highlight the worldwide breadth of microplastic pollution, indicating its pervasiveness and possible consequences.
The objectives, techniques, and major findings of this research compendium provide unique insights. Researchers have investigated the sources and paths of microplastics, as well as the ecological concerns they pose in many ecosystems and, most crucially, the consequences for human health. I hope to highlight the underlying trends, knowledge gaps, and important problems in the realm of microplastic pollution by merging various views.
Objectives
This study aims to examine microplastic pollution through a synthesis of recent research. This will provide a unified perspective on worldwide concerns, encompassing significant discoveries regarding the distribution, origins, seasonal fluctuations, ecological consequences, and risks to human health. In addition to highlighting trends and knowledge deficits, it advocates for a global response and emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems. Contributing to the ongoing dialogue on how to resolve the escalating challenges posed by microplastic pollution, the study aims to increase awareness of the pervasiveness and effects of microplastics and advocate for additional research and effective mitigation strategies.
2. Background
Plastic pollution is becoming a major worldwide environmental issue that is negatively impacting wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. This review paper provides a thorough background on the widespread problem of microplastic pollution by drawing on a wide range of research. Because of their widespread usage and inappropriate disposal, plastics—which are defined by their non-biodegradable nature—are found in both terrestrial and marine habitats.
Microplastics, which are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have found their way into ecosystems worldwide, including rivers, lakes, oceans, and urban areas. Although marine microplastics have been the subject of much research (Luqman et al., 2021; Polidoro et al., 2021; Song et al., 2022; Zhang et al., 2022), little attention has been paid to the presence of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems (David et al., 2023) and indoor environments (Zhai et al., 2023).
Studies conducted in Bangladeshi beaches and Thailand (Kasamesiri et al., 2023) have highlighted the negative impacts of microplastic pollution on ecosystems and public health. The use of microplastics by marine animals, including fish and shellfish, has sparked worries about bioaccumulation and its repercussions for human consumers (Luqman et al., 2021).
Furthermore, research conducted in Spain has highlighted the intricate dynamics of microplastic release into the environment and illuminated the roles wastewater treatment plants play in contributing to microplastic contamination (Bayo et al., 2023). Physicochemical techniques can be utilized as both pre and post-treatment measures to address the issue (Rashid & Ashik, 2023). Studies from China demonstrate how dynamic this issue is by showing how seasonal fluctuations in microplastic buildup in various environments occur (Zhang et al., 2022).
Moreover, Song et al. (2022) noted that the COVID-19 pandemic offered a singular chance to examine the relationship between decreased human activity and microplastic contamination. Research from Bangladesh sheds light on the effects of lockdown measures on microplastic levels in street dust and air quality, offering insights on the environmental effects of restrictions related to pandemics (Rabin et al., 2023).
Developing mitigation measures and policies is vital since plastic pollution is becoming worse, as is becoming increasingly widely agreed upon. The goal of this study is to provide an overview of the various issues presented by microplastic pollution by synthesizing the vast knowledge generated by published papers. The objective is to establish a basis for subsequent investigations, promote knowledgeable decision-making, and propel worldwide endeavors aimed at alleviating the ubiquitous and enduring problem of microplastic pollution.
3. Methodology
Together, the examined publications' techniques offer an approach to examining and mitigating microplastic pollution in a variety of habitats. Utilizing these approaches provides insightful information on the complex nature of microplastic research. Table 1 below provides the articles' methodologies for sample collecting and analysis.
In these investigations, sampling procedures are crucial. To measure the presence of microplastics, scientists have regularly gathered environmental samples from water, soil, and biota. The implementation of uniform procedures for gathering samples guarantees consistency amongst research projects. Furthermore, differentiating across other sample types—such as fish, street dust, marine sediments, and coastal sediments—allows for a more sophisticated understanding of the distribution of microplastics. The use of microscopic analysis becomes essential in the identification and characterization of microplastics. Scientists have visualized and categorized particles according to characteristics like size, shape, color, and polymer composition using optical stereo zoom microscopes and fluorescent microscopes. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) has been utilized to accurately identify and classify microplastic compositions, complementing these ocular approaches.
Numerous researchers have used risk assessment to evaluate the effects of microplastics on ecosystems and human health (Polidoro et al., 2021). Evaluating possible health concerns associated with exposure is made easier with the calculation of hazard quotient values based on the concentration of microplastics in sampled matrices. A crucial component of the approaches has been seasonal fluctuations and temporal dynamics (Zhang et al., 2022; Kasamesiri et al., 2023). Research done in a variety of seasons has shed important light on how human activity and the climate affect the spread of microplastics. Our understanding of the relationship between environmental factors and microplastic pollution has improved with the examination of shifts in the distribution of microplastic types during various phases of external influences, such as the COVID-19 lockdown (Song et al., 2022; Rabin et al., 2023).
The approaches have included the analysis of influent and effluent samples in the setting of wastewater treatment facilities (WWTPs) (Bayo et al., 2023). To gather samples from WWTPs and evaluate how well these facilities remove microplastics, researchers have conducted in-depth fieldwork. This methodology enables a thorough assessment of WWTPs' functions as microplastic sources and sinks.
4. Main Findings
The summary of the results from the studies that were evaluated highlights important information about microplastic pollution in different ecosystems and regions of the world. Together, these important findings influence how we perceive the complex phenomenon of microplastic pollution.
Seasonal Differences: Microplastic abundance is strongly influenced by seasonal dynamics. Research indicates that there can be significant seasonal variations in microplastic concentrations, with summertime often seeing higher levels due to increased human activity and weather-related factors (Zhang et al., 2022; Kasamesiri et al., 2023).
Abundance and Composition: Microplastics vary in abundance and composition depending on the ecology in which they are found. Microplastics are regularly found in water samples, marine sediments, and coastal sediments. Microplastics can take on a variety of shapes, the most common ones being fibers, fragments, films, and spheres. White, colorful, and transparent microplastics are frequently recognized as members of the population based on their color (Luqman et al., 2021; Song et al., 2022).
Size: Microplastics are tiny particles that are less than 1 mm in size, however bigger plastic pieces that are up to 2.5 cm in length are also included in the category of microplastics. The environment is full of larger plastic trash as well as microplastics. Their mobility, ability to be ingested by creatures, and possible admission into the food chain are all affected by their size diversity (Rabin et al., 2023; Zhai et al., 2023).
Sources: Together, the evaluated publications show many paths and sources of microplastic pollution. Stormwater runoff, wastewater effluents, industrial discharges, and plastic garbage are examples of common sources. According to David et al. (2023), microplastics can enter ecosystems through rivers, airborne deposits, and direct littering.
WWTPs as Sources and Sinks: According to Bayo et al. (2023), wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) have become major sources of microplastic contamination. These establishments have the capacity to function as sinks, collecting microplastics from residential and commercial wastewater, and sources, discharging microplastics into the environment through effluents. Variations exist in the effectiveness of WWTPs in eliminating microplastics, highlighting the necessity for better treatment techniques.
Health and Ecological Risks: Taken together, the evaluated publications highlight the possible hazards to human health and the environment posed by microplastic pollution. Many kinds of species can consume microplastics, which can cause physical injury as well as the absorption of chemical toxins. When seafood is consumed, this intake may have a negative impact on marine life and, in turn, human health (Polidoro et al., 2021; Zhang et al., 2022).
5. Contribution to the Environmental and Occupational Health Field
We now have a much better understanding of microplastic contamination and its effects on the environment and occupational health because of the combined findings of these articles. When taken as a whole, these studies advance this discipline in numerous important ways:
Global Awareness: The evaluated publications have illuminated the widespread prevalence of microplastic pollution on a global scale. They emphasize the necessity of increased public, scientific, and policymaker understanding of the ubiquitous presence of microplastics in different ecosystems and the need for coordinated action.
COVID-19 and Microplastic Impact (Song et al., 2022): This research reveals that disposable masks are a significant contributor to the worldwide problem of microplastic contamination. It highlights the necessity for responsible waste management of pandemic-related trash and the significance of understanding the environmental impacts of public health initiatives.
Coastal Tourism Impact (Zhang et al., 2022): The findings show that tourism has a major impact in the accumulation of plastic litter on inaccessible coastal beaches. It highlights the significance of environmentally responsible tourist practices and helps us better comprehend the relationship between tourism and the health of our planet.
Microplastic Risk Assessment Models (Akkajit et al., 2021; Kasamesiri et al., 2023): There are several risk assessment models for microplastic pollution, and these papers introduce and examine several of them. They help policymakers and medical experts by assessing the threats posed by microplastics to the environment and human health.
6. Weaknesses of the Articles
These papers certainly have some shortcomings, even though they offer insightful information. Some studies restrict the applicability of their findings to wider contexts by concentrating on geographic areas or ecosystems. Some studies have relatively small sample sizes, which may have an impact on how representative the findings are. Different research approaches used in different studies might make direct comparisons difficult, which emphasizes the necessity for uniform procedures for sampling and analysis. There is a dearth of research that thoroughly examines the effects of microplastic contamination on the environment and human health, highlighting the need for more thorough studies in this area. Table 2 below lists the papers' specific limitations.
7. Future Work Needed
Future studies should concentrate on the following topics to further the study of environmental and occupational health in the context of microplastic pollution:
Longitudinal Studies: Long-term research projects that take many years or decades to complete can offer a more thorough grasp of the long-term effects of microplastic pollution and temporal trends.
Geographical Diversity: To evaluate worldwide trends in microplastic pollution, research must be extended to a greater range of geographic regions and ecosystems.
Evaluation of the Health and Ecological Impact: Detailed analyses are required to determine how microplastic contamination affects the environment and human health. The processes through which eating contaminated seafood harms organisms and any possible health effects on humans should be investigated in research.
Standardization: More reliable comparisons between research would be made possible by the development of standardized procedures for microplastic sampling, analysis, and reporting.
Mitigation Strategies: Research in the future should concentrate on creating and assessing efficient mitigation techniques, such as better waste management, environmentally friendly plastic substitutes, and legislative changes.
Collaboration: Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration among environmental scientists, health specialists, policymakers, and industrial stakeholders can provide a strategy for tackling microplastic pollution.
8. Recommendations
To effectively reduce microplastic pollution, a multifaceted strategy is required. First, waste management systems should be improved to reduce plastic leakage by enhancing waste collection and recycling and promoting responsible disposal methods. Second, it is crucial to reduce single-use plastics through the implementation of policies and the promotion of eco-friendly alternatives. To prevent microplastics from entering aquatic ecosystems, it is crucial to upgrade wastewater treatment facilities with advanced filtration technologies. To assure data comparability between studies, standardized measurement protocols must be developed. To comprehensively resolve this issue, scientists, health professionals, policymakers, and industry stakeholders must collaborate across disciplines. The public should be educated and encouraged to engage in responsible consumption and disposal practices via public awareness campaigns. Essential steps include supporting research into environmentally favorable materials and packaging solutions, conducting long-term monitoring, evaluating ecological and health impacts, and promoting international cooperation through global agreements. Enforcing policies, such as product restrictions and concentration limits, and promoting circular economy practices will help reduce microplastic pollution, preserve ecosystems, and protect human health.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, the synthesis of these diverse studies on microplastic pollution exposes the global prevalence of this environmental challenge across a variety of ecosystems and regions. Seasonal fluctuations in the abundance of microplastics highlight the dynamic nature of this issue, with summer months exhibiting higher levels of contamination. The studies highlight the significant contributions of tourism, industrialization, and urbanization to microplastic contamination, while wastewater treatment plants emerge as prominent microplastic sources and drains. In addition, the potential threats to ecosystems and human health posed by the food chain are highlighted. Future efforts should focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, standardized measurement methods, and mitigation strategies, as well as increasing public awareness and international cooperation, to address this pressing issue comprehensively. These collective actions are necessary to combat microplastic pollution and protect the environment and human health.
References
- Akkajit, P., Khongsang, A., & Thongnonghin, B. (2023). Microplastics accumulation and human health risk assessment of heavy metals in Marcia opima and Lingula anatina, Phuket. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 186, 114404. [CrossRef]
- Bayo, J., López-Castellanos, J., Olmos, S., & Rojo, D. (2023). A holistic approach on the impact of microplastic discharge from WWTPs to the neighboring environment in Southeast Spain. Water Research, 120516. [CrossRef]
- Chowdhury, O. S., Rashid, R., & Karim, M. R. (2019, January). E. Coli Removal Efficiency and Physical-Chemical Parameter Analysis of Mineral Pot Filters in Bangladesh. In In2nd International Conference on Water and Environmental Engineering (iCWEE-2019), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh, 2019, pp 1-8, ISBN: 978-0-6482681-1-6.
- David, T. I., Sheela, M. S., Krishnakumar, S., Siyad, A. M., Abimanyu, A., Vikasini, V. K., ... & Dineshbabu, S. (2023). Distribution and characterization of microplastics and ecological risks in Vellayani Lake, Kerala, India. Total Environment Research Themes, 7, 100065. [CrossRef]
- Karim, M.R., Khan, M.A.I., Chowdhury, O.S. and Niloy, R.R. (2018) Assessment of Various Methods to Remove Pathogen from Raw Water to Meet Who Standard for Domestic Consumption. 7th Brunei International Conference on Engineering and Technology 2018 (BICET 2018), Ban-dar Seri Begawan, 12-14 November 2018, 1-4.
- Kasamesiri, P., Panchan, R., & Thaimuangphol, W. (2023). Spatial–Temporal Distribution and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastic Pollution of Inland Fishing Ground in the Ubolratana Reservoir, Thailand. Water, 15(2), 330. [CrossRef]
- Luqman, A., Nugrahapraja, H., Wahyuono, R. A., Islami, I., Haekal, M. H., Fardiansyah, Y., ... & Wibowo, A. T. (2021). Microplastic contamination in human stools, foods, and drinking water associated with indonesian coastal population. Environments, 8(12), 138. [CrossRef]
- Niloy, M.R.R. and Chowdhury, O.S. (2017) Effectiveness of Household Water Treatment Technologies Based on WHO Guidelines. Master’s Thesis, Islamic University of Technology (IUT), Gazipur.
- Polidoro, B., Lewis, T., & Clement, C. (2022). A screening-level human health risk assessment for microplastics and organic contaminants in near-shore marine environments in American Samoa. Heliyon, 8(3). [CrossRef]
- Rabin, M. H., Wang, Q., Enyoh, C. E., Kai, X., & Sheuty, T. F. (2023). Distribution, Potential Sources, and Health Risk of Microplastics (MPs) in Street Dust during and after COVID-19 Lockdown in Bangladesh. Environments, 10(7), 130. [CrossRef]
- Rashid, M. R., & Ashik, M. (2023, June). Evaluation of Physicochemical Treatment Technologies for Landfill Leachate Induced Dissolved Organic Nitrogen (DON). In AEESP Research and Education Conference, Northeastern University, June 20-23, 2023.
- Song, G., Cao, H., Liu, L., & Jin, M. (2022). Analysis of Marine Microplastic Pollution of Disposable Masks under COVID-19 Epidemic—A DPSIR Framework. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(23), 16299. [CrossRef]
- Zhai, X., Zheng, H., Xu, Y., Zhao, R., Wang, W., & Guo, H. (2023). Characterization and quantification of microplastics in indoor environments. Heliyon, 9(5). [CrossRef]
- Zhang, P., Wei, S., Zhang, J., Zhong, H., Wang, S., & Jian, Q. (2022). Seasonal distribution, composition, and inventory of plastic debris on the Yugang Park Beach in Zhanjiang Bay, South China Sea. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(8), 4886. [CrossRef]
Figure 1.
The Microplastic Chain: From Single use plastics to Ocean to Sea animals to Sea food to Our Stomach (Credit: francoillustration).
Figure 1.
The Microplastic Chain: From Single use plastics to Ocean to Sea animals to Sea food to Our Stomach (Credit: francoillustration).
Table 1.
Overall sample collection and analysis methods.
| Sample Collection | Analysis | References |
| Collection of microplastic samples from in near-shore marine environments in American Samoa | Microscopy and spectroscopy techniques | (Polidoro et al., 2021) |
| Collection of disposable masks from various coastal locations in China during the COVID-19 pandemic | Stereomicroscope and FTIR spectroscopy | (Song et al., 2022) |
| Field sampling of microplastics in human Stools, Foods, and Drinking Water | Microscopy and FTIR | (Luqman et al., 2021) |
| Indoor dust sampling at various points within a university | Microscope analysis, LDIR, micro-FTIR, and Raman microscopy. | (Zhai et al., 2023) |
| Collection of samples from Phuket’s coastal environment, including sediments and shellfish | Heavy metals and microplastics characterization | (Akkajit et al., 2021) |
| Sampling of indoor environments near wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) | Microplastic abundance and characteristics analysis (size, shape, color, and polymer distribution) | (Bayo et al., 2023) |
| Collection of samples from Vellayani Lake | FTIR characterization | (David et al., 2023) |
| Investigation of plastic debris and air pollution during and after the COVID-19 lockdown | Air quality analysis, microplastic content analysis | (Rabin et al., 2023) |
| Seasonal sampling of plastic debris on Yugang Park Beach | Seasonal variation analysis, composition analysis | (Zhang et al., 2022) |
| Collection of surface water (0–30 cm) and bottom sediment from Ubolratana Reservoir | Microplastic extraction, characterization, risk assessment | (Kasamesiri et al., 2023) |
Table 2.
Limitations of the selected articles.
| Limitations | References |
| Small-scale study with limited geographical scope. Lack of detailed ecological impact assessment. | (Akkajit et al., 2021) |
| Limited focus on specific marine environments. Variable sampling methods and data comparability issues. | (Polidoro et al., 2021) |
| Primarily focused on urban areas, limited representation of rural or remote regions. Challenges in quantifying the health impacts of airborne microplastics. | (Zhai et al., 2023) |
| Study conducted on a single beach. Exclusion of microplastics smaller than 1 mm. | (Luqman et al., 2021) |
| Limited to the assessment of microplastics from disposable masks; does not address other emerging plastic waste issues during the pandemic. | (Song et al., 2022) |
| Study conducted on specific beaches in China. Limited exploration of potential health risks. Excluded microplastics smaller than 1 mm | (Zhang et al., 2022) |
| Focused on WWTP discharge in Southeast Spain. Limited investigation of health impacts. | (Bayo et al., 2023) |
| Small sample size and restricted to a single freshwater lake. Insufficient exploration of ecological consequences. | (David et al., 2023) |
| Limited to Bangladesh during the COVID-19 lockdown. Focus on microplastics in street dust, excluding other sources. | (Rabin et al., 2023) |
| Primarily focused on the Ubolratana Reservoir in Thailand. Limited assessment of health impacts. | (Kasamesiri et al., 2023) |
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