Micro Plastic Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems: Sources, Fate and Effects

Abstract

Concern over microplastic particles smaller than 5 mm is growing, particularly in aquatic areas like the ocean. Primary sources include fiber fragments from clothing washing and microbeads (less than 1 mm) found in cleaning products and cosmetics, while secondary sources include decomposing plastic waste and detritus. Polyesters, Polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene (PE) make up the majority of these particles. They can enter human food chains through a variety of routes and are consumed by a large range of aquatic creatures, including fish, shrimp, mussels, oysters, and zooplanktons. Policymakers, corporations, and scientists are placing a greater emphasis on understanding and controlling plastic pollution. However, rivers are both a potential sink that can accumulate plastic from various sources and the main source of Marine environment plastic pollution. Although reducing the amount of microplastics in rivers is essential for protecting freshwater and marine habitats, little is known about the possible sources, routes, and storage of this pollution. Our study examines the variations between microplastics estimated from litter rates and those reported in freshwater and marine habitats.