The ubiquitous microplastics (MPs), having sizes smaller than 5 mm, have become abundant in aquatic environments, raising concerns about their environmental and health implications. This chapter begins by detailing the occurrence of MPs in delta regions, highlighting their pervasive presence in water bodies, sediments, and biota. MPs pose a significant challenge to delta ecosystems around the world, affecting biodiversity, human health, and food security via a variety of pathways that include urban runoff, industrial discharges, agricultural practices, degradation of larger plastics, atmospheric deposition, synthetic textiles, tire wear, and other sources. It discusses their impact on aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates, which can ingest these particles, leading to physical harm and toxicological effects. Protecting delta ecosystems from the contamination of MPs is critical for maintaining ecological integrity and ensuring the sustenance of numerous individuals who depend on these areas for nourishment and economic activities. In conclusion, this chapter underscores the urgent prerequisite for a comprehensive study to analyze the dynamics of MP contamination in delta ecosystems. It advocates for effective management strategies to mitigate this growing threat, emphasizing the importance of policy interventions, public awareness campaigns, and sustainable practices to protect these crucial environments for future generations.

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Occurrence and Presence of Ubiquitous Microplastics and Their Effects on Delta Ecosystems Around the World

  • Satish Kumar Kolluru,
  • Vinoth Kumar Raja

摘要

The ubiquitous microplastics (MPs), having sizes smaller than 5 mm, have become abundant in aquatic environments, raising concerns about their environmental and health implications. This chapter begins by detailing the occurrence of MPs in delta regions, highlighting their pervasive presence in water bodies, sediments, and biota. MPs pose a significant challenge to delta ecosystems around the world, affecting biodiversity, human health, and food security via a variety of pathways that include urban runoff, industrial discharges, agricultural practices, degradation of larger plastics, atmospheric deposition, synthetic textiles, tire wear, and other sources. It discusses their impact on aquatic organisms, including fish and invertebrates, which can ingest these particles, leading to physical harm and toxicological effects. Protecting delta ecosystems from the contamination of MPs is critical for maintaining ecological integrity and ensuring the sustenance of numerous individuals who depend on these areas for nourishment and economic activities. In conclusion, this chapter underscores the urgent prerequisite for a comprehensive study to analyze the dynamics of MP contamination in delta ecosystems. It advocates for effective management strategies to mitigate this growing threat, emphasizing the importance of policy interventions, public awareness campaigns, and sustainable practices to protect these crucial environments for future generations.