Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a consequence of industrialization, economic development, and improved living standards. These minuscule plastic fragments originate from the breakdown of larger plastic materials. As environmental pollutants, MPs pose significant risks to both flora and fauna. They are categorized into primary MPs—which are intentionally manufactured small plastic particles—and secondary MPs, which result from the degradation of larger plastic waste. Primary sources of MPs include plastic pellets, microbeads in personal care products, synthetic fibers from washing wastewater, sewage sludge, artificial turf, rubberized roads, and vehicle tire wear. On the other hand, secondary sources arise from the fragmentation of larger plastic waste such as discarded bags, bottles, fishing gear, agricultural plastic films, and municipal debris. Both types of MPs contribute to environmental contamination, adversely affecting ecosystems and public health. Sewage systems play a significant role in the spread of MPs. Studies indicate that 80–90% of microplastic particles in wastewater, such as fibers from synthetic clothing, accumulate in sewage sludge. These tiny plastic fragments have the potential to harbor pathogenic microorganisms, acting as vectors for disease transmission in the environment. Among the various pollutants, polyester fibers account for a substantial proportion of MPs found in oceans, with microfibers constituting over 85% of MP debris on shorelines globally. Although all primary sources have not been fully assessed, domestic laundry wastewater is believed to be one of the dominant contributors. Synthetic fibers and particles smaller than 5 mm can bypass filtration and solid separation systems in wastewater treatment plants, allowing them to enter aquatic ecosystems. The ingestion of MPs by marine organisms—including commercially important fish and crustaceans—is widespread, leading to contamination transfer within food chains. Additionally, sewage sludge containing MPs is frequently applied to agricultural land as fertilizer, leading to the accumulation of thousands of tons of MPs in soils each year. In waste management facilities, only a fraction of plastic waste is recycled or incinerated, while a significant portion is disposed of in landfills. Since plastic materials take centuries to degrade, they continuously release toxic compounds into soil and water systems, contributing to long-term ecological harm. Although the concern over marine MP pollution has gained significant attention, environmental experts suggest that MP contamination in terrestrial environments may be even more severe. Over the past few years, scientific investigations into MPs have increased, alongside growing public awareness and policy discussions aimed at addressing the issue. This chapter examines the current status of microplastic pollution, highlighting identification techniques, strategies to mitigate MP-related effects, and approaches to reduce their environmental impact. The discussion aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps in plastic detection and pollution management, contributing to research on sustainable solutions for microplastic contamination.

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Microplastics in the Environment

  • Harpreet Kaur,
  • Sonia Sharma,
  • Madhu Chandel,
  • Gurvarinder Kaur,
  • Sushant Sharma,
  • Isha Madaan,
  • Geetika Sirhindi,
  • Renu Bhardwaj

摘要

Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a consequence of industrialization, economic development, and improved living standards. These minuscule plastic fragments originate from the breakdown of larger plastic materials. As environmental pollutants, MPs pose significant risks to both flora and fauna. They are categorized into primary MPs—which are intentionally manufactured small plastic particles—and secondary MPs, which result from the degradation of larger plastic waste. Primary sources of MPs include plastic pellets, microbeads in personal care products, synthetic fibers from washing wastewater, sewage sludge, artificial turf, rubberized roads, and vehicle tire wear. On the other hand, secondary sources arise from the fragmentation of larger plastic waste such as discarded bags, bottles, fishing gear, agricultural plastic films, and municipal debris. Both types of MPs contribute to environmental contamination, adversely affecting ecosystems and public health. Sewage systems play a significant role in the spread of MPs. Studies indicate that 80–90% of microplastic particles in wastewater, such as fibers from synthetic clothing, accumulate in sewage sludge. These tiny plastic fragments have the potential to harbor pathogenic microorganisms, acting as vectors for disease transmission in the environment. Among the various pollutants, polyester fibers account for a substantial proportion of MPs found in oceans, with microfibers constituting over 85% of MP debris on shorelines globally. Although all primary sources have not been fully assessed, domestic laundry wastewater is believed to be one of the dominant contributors. Synthetic fibers and particles smaller than 5 mm can bypass filtration and solid separation systems in wastewater treatment plants, allowing them to enter aquatic ecosystems. The ingestion of MPs by marine organisms—including commercially important fish and crustaceans—is widespread, leading to contamination transfer within food chains. Additionally, sewage sludge containing MPs is frequently applied to agricultural land as fertilizer, leading to the accumulation of thousands of tons of MPs in soils each year. In waste management facilities, only a fraction of plastic waste is recycled or incinerated, while a significant portion is disposed of in landfills. Since plastic materials take centuries to degrade, they continuously release toxic compounds into soil and water systems, contributing to long-term ecological harm. Although the concern over marine MP pollution has gained significant attention, environmental experts suggest that MP contamination in terrestrial environments may be even more severe. Over the past few years, scientific investigations into MPs have increased, alongside growing public awareness and policy discussions aimed at addressing the issue. This chapter examines the current status of microplastic pollution, highlighting identification techniques, strategies to mitigate MP-related effects, and approaches to reduce their environmental impact. The discussion aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps in plastic detection and pollution management, contributing to research on sustainable solutions for microplastic contamination.