Investigating Micro-Plastic Pollution and its Consequences on Aquatic Communities

Abstract

Aquatic communities, as one of the sources of human food supply, are affected by various environmental threats, among which the accumulation of microplastics has attracted concerns about their acute affect. This pollution is a threat to wildlife and can have serious economic effects; notwithstanding the increase in international attention, the presence of these materials in the environment is a hazardous problem due to the increasing of plastic production in the world and inadequate disposal of plastic waste. Previous studies were reported the presence of microplastics in the water column and offshore sediments worldwide. The life span, durability, and strength of plastics are estimated at tens of years to hundreds of years, which significantly lead to micro-plastic contamination. Due to the buoyancy and durability of microplastics, these particles accumulate throughout the aquatic environment and human food chain through fish or other aquatic organisms, which can cause various types of cancer, digestive problems, and reduced fertility.