Research Progress of the Sources, Distribution Characteristics, and Potential Risks of Microplastics in the Global Marine Environment

Marine white pollution, i.e., plastic pollution, is currently a major challenge to the marine environment. Microplastics(MPs), as an emerging pollutant, are attracting widespread global attention. Due to the special properties of plastic, it is widely used, but the plastic waste generated during its use is difficult to recycle or utilize, so it gradually accumulates in the environment. Marine MPs mainly come from industrial discharge, domestic sewage discharge, and direct discharge during maritime transportation and operations. After MPs enter the marine environment, they will change the distribution status of MPs in the marine environment, thereby bringing varying degrees of impact to the marine environment and posing potential risks to the security of marine ecosystems. The article summarizes the sources, distribution characteristics, pollution status, and potential ecological risks of MPs in the marine environment, in order to provide scientific basis for solving and repairing marine microplastic pollution.