A Review of the Sources and Origins of Microplastics in the Marine Environment and Their Effects on Aquatic Life

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic waste that are accumulated in the environment on a global scale. This waste is generated by the direct release of plastic particles as well as the fragmentation of larger plastic items. Microplastics are distributed in marine habitats from the poles to the equator, from the sea surface and the shoreline to the depths of the sea. They are swallowed by a wide range of living organisms, including important commercial fish and bivalves. In some populations, the consumption of microplastics is very high, which can have toxic or physical side effects. However, our understanding of the relative importance of these side effects in different populations is very limited. The amount of microplastics in the environment seems to be increasing, and this is inevitable because even if new plastic materials can be prevented from entering the ocean, the fragmentation of existing plastic items will continue in the future years. The term microplastics have been used for a decade and has raised many questions about its harmful effects. Some solutions are available to reduce this pollution, however many studies are ongoing in this area. There is significant synergy in the new designs and production of plastic items and their efficient recycling because waste recycling reduces the use of non-renewable oil and gas energy in the production of new plastics and at the same time reduces the accumulation of microplastics in the environment.