Examining the Environmental Concerns Caused by the Microplastic Contamination in Marine Ecosystem

Due to its exceptional qualities, plastic is one of the materials that are most frequently produced and utilised worldwide. Microplastics (MPs), a new class of emerging contaminants, have been produced in our environment as a result of the increased manufacture and consumption of plastic goods. In aquatic ecosystems, MPs (≤5 mm) are a contaminant that ecotoxicologists are becoming more concerned about, both for organism and the ecosystem. The primary ones are produced in the MP size range and remain as such, whereas secondary MPs are produced as a result of the fragmentation of bigger plastic particles, which subsequently penetrate the aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric ecosystems. MPs have a variety of physical-chemical characteristics that make them multifunctional stressors, making it very challenging to understand their effects. Despite the fact that MP contamination is pervasive in air, water, and land, these ecosystems are frequently thought of separately even though they are actually interconnected. There are comparatively fewer researches in India on the emerging problem of MP contamination in every aspect of our environment. Furthermore, there is still much to learn about the effects of MPs on different ecosystems. By evaluating the scientific literature that is currently available, this review article aims to convey current knowledge about MP pollution in India’s aquatic systems, terrestrial systems, atmosphere, and food supply. The cause and the consequences of MPs for various organisms were discussed with available literature. In the end, our report outlines the current issues and makes recommendations for the direction of future investigations into MP pollution. This would make it easier to achieve the objectives of this emergent pollution control.