Microplastic Pollution: Ecological Impacts and Remediation Strategies

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles less than 5 mm in size,
have emerged as a significant environmental threat, permeating
terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Their persistence,
potential for bioaccumulation, and ability to transport toxic
chemicals pose risks to biodiversity and human health. This article
reviews the sources and pathways of microplastic pollution, its
ecological impacts across trophic levels, and the challenges in
monitoring and quantification. Furthermore, the paper evaluates
emerging remediation strategies, including physical removal
methods, bioremediation using plastic-degrading microbes, and
policy interventions aimed at reducing plastic production and
waste. Advancing research on detection techniques and scaling up
biodegradation technologies are crucial for mitigating the long-term
environmental consequences of microplastic pollution.