Perspective, Expert Opin Environ Biol Vol: 14 Issue: 1

Microplastic Pollution: Ecological Impacts and Remediation Strategies

Fiun Lieng^*

Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, China

*Corresponding Author:

Fiun Lieng
Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, China
E-mail: fiun_lieng@nu21.cn

Received: 01-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. EOEB-25-169982, Editor assigned: 03-Mar-2025, PreQC No. EOEB-25-169982(PQ), Reviewed: 17-Mar-2025, QC No. EOEB-25-169982, Revised: 21-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. EOEB-25-169982(R), Published: 28-Mar-2025, DOI: 10.4172/ 2325-9655.1000243

Citation: Fiun L (2025) Advancing Cardiac Healing: The Role of Stem Cells in Regeneration and Future Prospects. J Regen Med 14:1.

Copyright: © 2025 Fiun L. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Abstract

Keywords: Microplastics; pollution; Marine ecosystem; Biodegradation; Environmental remediation

Keywords

Microplastics; pollution; Marine ecosystem; Biodegradation; Environmental remediation

Introduction

Microplastic pollution has gained global attention in recent decades due to the exponential increase in plastic production and the subsequent fragmentation of plastics in the environment. Microplastics originate from primary sources, such as industrial abrasives and cosmetic products, and secondary sources, resulting from the degradation of larger plastic debris. Their ubiquity in soil, freshwater bodies, and oceans has raised concerns regarding their persistence, ecological disruption, and potential entry into the human food chain. Understanding the extent and effects of microplastics is essential to designing effective mitigation strategies [1].

Description

Microplastics are classified based on their origin:

• Primary microplastics â?? intentionally manufactured small particles for use in cosmetics, industrial cleaning, and synthetic textiles.
• Secondary microplastics â?? formed from the breakdown of larger plastic items through mechanical abrasion, photodegradation, or chemical weathering.

Once released, microplastics can be transported by wind, rivers, and ocean currents, leading to their global distribution. In marine environments, they are ingested by plankton, fish, and seabirds, leading to physical blockage of digestive tracts, reduced nutrient absorption, and altered feeding behavior. Moreover, microplastics act as vectors for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals, which adsorb onto their surfaces and biomagnify through food webs [2].

Ecological impacts

• Marine ecosystems: Microplastics threaten biodiversity by causing injury and mortality in marine species through ingestion and entanglement.
• Freshwater systems: Lakes and rivers serve as conduits for microplastics, impacting freshwater fish and benthic invertebrates.
• Terrestrial habitats: Soil microplastics can alter soil structure, affecting microbial communities and nutrient cycling [3].

Remediation strategies

• Physical removal: Filtration systems for wastewater treatment plants can significantly reduce microplastic outflow.
• Bioremediation: Certain bacterial strains, such as Ideonella sakaiensis, can degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET), offering a sustainable approach.
• Policy and awareness: Banning microbeads in cosmetics, improving waste management, and promoting biodegradable plastics are crucial policy measures [4].

Results

Studies indicate microplastic concentrations in marine surface waters ranging from 0.1 to 10,000 particles per cubic meter. Removal efficiency in advanced wastewater treatment plants exceeds 95%, yet substantial quantities still enter natural ecosystems due to incomplete global infrastructure coverage. Biodegradation research shows promising laboratory results, but large-scale implementation remains in its infancy.

Discussion

While remediation technologies are progressing, prevention through reduced plastic use and improved waste management is the most effective solution. Public education, corporate responsibility, and international cooperation are critical for long-term success. Detection methods such as Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis-GC-MS are enhancing our understanding of microplastic pollution dynamics, but standardization is needed for reliable comparisons across studies [5].

Conclusion

Microplastic pollution is a pervasive and persistent problem requiring coordinated global action. Combining prevention, technological innovation, and policy enforcement can substantially mitigate its ecological and human health risks. Future research should focus on scalable bioremediation techniques and comprehensive monitoring systems to track progress in combating microplastic pollution.

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