Toxicological consequences of microplastics pollution on aquatic Li Ving organisms: a review

Abstract

Plastics are used all around the world and so often that their pollution is becoming a concern. The global demand on microplastics has increased because plastics have light weight and low production cost. Microplastics affect the aquatic environment; aquatic organisms and subsequently through food web bioaccumulation human beings. This study review the scientific literature on the current trend of toxicological consequences of micro plastics, sources of micro plastics, their toxicity to different aquatic organisms. Microplastics cause toxicity to humans through accumulation which includes health implications of Microplastic pollution. The most common microplastics found in aquatic environments are Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polyprophylene (PP), Polyvinylchloride (PVC), and Polyehylenetetraacetate (PET.) The effects of Microplastics on aquatic fishes and invertebrates include blockage of the digestive system, weight loss, depletion of energy reserves, disruption of reproduction, change in the ratio and distribution of cholesterol, nutritional shortage, reduction in growth, decline in fertility, abnormal behavior, lesions and internal wounds. Through Bioaccumulation the health effects caused by Microplastics to human beings include oxidative stress, cell damage, inflammation, hepatic lipid disease, skin irritation, breathing issues, cancer risk, cardiovascular illness, reproductive issues, disruption in oxidative stress and immune responses, diabetes, obesity, endocrine disturbance, cancer, cardiovascular, reproductive and developmental problems. Researchers have identified biological remediation and use of bio-plastics as the major methods used for mitigating Microplastic pollution, however the use of bioremediation methods have proven effective and environmentally friendly.