Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part B (2025)

Microplastics is becoming more widely acknowledged that —small plastic particles smaller than five millimeters—pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Both marine and terrestrial ecosystems have been impacted by these contaminants, which are either produced for use in goods like detergents and cosmetics or are derived from the breakdown of bigger plastic objects. Common varieties with distinct physical and chemical characteristics are polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene (PS). Microplastics can travel thousands of kilometers from their source due to their endurance in the environment, which can have detrimental effects, especially on aquatic ecosystems. These particles are frequently mistaken for food by marine species, which can lead to physical harm, malnutrition, and the bioaccumulation of harmful compounds that might endanger human health by entering the food chain.
Microplastics have been found in human biological samples, such as blood, lungs, and placental tissues, according to research. This raises concerns about long-term health impacts such inflammation, endocrine disruption, and possible carcinogenic dangers. Furthermore, microplastics have the potential to spread genes that cause antibiotic resistance, which makes public health issues more complex. Current efforts to evaluate pollution on a worldwide basis are hampered by difficulties in identifying and measuring microplastics, particularly smaller nanoplastics. This problem is made worse by the absence of defined procedures for reporting and sampling. Quick research, the development of efficient detection procedures, and strategies for mitigation are necessary to combat the escalating threat posed by microplastics. To preserve ecosystems and public health, cooperation between scientific groups and regulatory agencies is essential.