Published Paper Details:

The widespread presence of tiny plastic particles, specifically microplastics (100 nm-5 mm) in various ecosystems is becoming a significant environmental issue. Adding to these worries is the fact that microplastics (MNPs) possess different characteristics compared to their larger counterparts; therefore, their complete biological and ecological effects remain largely unknown. Currently, evidence suggests that these small plastic particles can release harmful plastic additives and can absorb a variety of chemicals, acting as reservoirs for various toxic substances, which increases their bioavailability, toxicity, and movement. Additionally, there is a potential risk of MNPs transferring through the food chain to humans and other higher organisms after being consumed by lower life forms. Additionally, there is a risk that microplastics (MNPs) could be transferred through the food chain to humans and other higher organisms after being consumed by lower species. Consequently, this paper provides a thorough evaluation of our present understanding of the environmental repercussions associated with MNPs. In this context, the characteristics, origins, and harmful effects of MNPs on various ecosystems, especially concerning living organisms, were explained. Likewise, the negative impacts of these particles on humans, along with ongoing and future initiatives aimed at reducing these harmful effects, were examined. Lastly, the planet's natural self-cleansing mechanisms involving a variety of decomposer organisms in relation to these synthetic particles were also emphasized.