Biological Effects of Microplastics: A Review.

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with the potential for far-reaching impacts on ecosystem processes and human health. This review consolidates contemporary scientific understanding of the biological impacts of microplastics on a range of organisms and across various ecological contexts. Research demonstrates that microplastics cause physical damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and disruptions to reproductive processes across a range of species. Furthermore, MPs act as vectors for co-occurring pollutants and host unique microbial communities. Among the possible physical effects are blocking of the intestines and injuries of the tissues, while the chemical toxicity may be due to the plastics' additives and the environmental contaminants that have been swallowed. Microplastics were found to be the cause of the mentioned negative effects like; less feeding efficiency, less growth, behavior changes, and less reproduction in the aquatic organisms. Land studies are fewer in number but these studies still indicate changes in soil microorganisms and crop production. Through empirical evidence, the possibility of translocation across biological barriers in mammals is shown, which raises the stakes for human health. Even though there has been considerable progress in research, still there are major gaps in knowledge on the effects of low-dose chronic exposure, impact of Nano plastics, and the development of comprehensive risk assessment frameworks.