Environmental and Morphological Detrimental Effects of Microplastics on Marine Organisms to Human Health

Abstract

Abstract The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) in all oceans has become a significant threat to nature as global plastic production continues to increase. Now, and over the next 20 to 30 years, it is the time to address the consequences of the rise of the plastic industry global production of millions of items, ranging from a single pen to automobiles. Inappropriate management, lack of awareness of the harmful effects, reckless universal use, and indiscriminate disposal of plastics have turned the earth into a "plastic planet”. The aim of the present study review is to identify the scenarios for the structure, and functions of MPs and the resulting impacts on marine organisms. The different origins of MPs in the oceans and their negative impacts on marine organisms are critically discussed in this review. Due to their small size, these plastic particles are easily ingested by a wide range of marine organisms (e.g., fish, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Annelida, Echinodermata, Nematoda, phytoplankton, zooplankton, algae, birds, Mammalia, marine reptiles, and corals), posing a threat to their health. The ability of MPs to absorb a variety of hazardous hydrophobic chemicals from the environment allows transfers these toxins to enter directly into the food chain, ultimately becoming a threat to human health. As a result, numerous policies and laws have been created to address the major problems of marine pollution. However, these regulations need to be improved and implemented worldwide. To avert future threats, it is crucial to stop the production of toxic chemicals associated to the production of plastics and replaces them with environmentally suitable alternatives.