Microplastic Pollution: A Global Environmental Crisis Impacting Marine Life, Human Health, and Potential Innovative Sustainable Solutions

Prithviraj Karak (), Afsona Parveen, Anindya Modak, Atin Adhikari () and Sankha Chakrabortty
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Prithviraj Karak: Department of Physiology, Bankura Christian College, Bankura 722101, India
Afsona Parveen: Department of Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology, Durgapur Institute of Paramedical Science, Durgapur 713212, India
Anindya Modak: Department of Human Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700009, India
Atin Adhikari: Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA
Sankha Chakrabortty: School of Chemical Engineering, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 6, 1-22

Abstract: Pollution, especially plastic pollution, presents a serious worldwide danger to essential environmental resources. Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments varying in size from 50 μm to 5 mm. The primary aim of this article is to develop an extensive review grounded in the latest data accessible until 2024, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 329 data points were collected and 297 of those were removed through filtering, leaving 32 articles for the study, and taking into account the complete evolution of all the publications. This study seeks to enhance public awareness and knowledge among researchers about the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the environment and society by identifying its sources and consequences for humans and ecosystems. A detailed analysis of the sources of microplastics in the oceans and their detrimental effects on marine organisms is presented. This research additionally explores the transport of microplastics through various environmental pathways, including water and air. Aquatic species ingest microplastics, which subsequently transfer up the food chain, including humans, and these risks are discussed. Microplastics may increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to DNA and cellular damage, oxidative stress, alterations in gene expression, and decreased cell viability. Developing clear and effective guidelines and regulations is crucial for addressing the adverse issues related to microplastics. All participants in the policymaking and implementation of these guidelines must understand their roles and responsibilities.

Keywords: microplastic; harmful effects; marine organisms; cellular damage; oxidative stress; treatment technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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