The DOI matches its Crossref record; 214 of the 215 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Insight into microplastics in the aquatic ecosystem: Properties, sources, threats and mitigation strategies
Abstract
Globally recognized as emergent contaminants, microplastics (MPs) are prevalent in aquaculture habitats and subject to intense management. Aquaculture systems are at risk of microplastic contamination due to various channels, which worsens the worldwide microplastic pollution problem. Organic contaminants in the environment can be absorbed by and interact with microplastic, increasing their toxicity and making treatment more challenging. There are two primary sources of microplastics: (1) the direct release of primary microplastics and (2) the fragmentation of plastic materials resulting in secondary microplastics. Freshwater, atmospheric and marine environments are also responsible for the successful migration of microplastics. Until now, microplastic pollution and its effects on aquaculture habitats remain insufficient. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems. It highlights the sources and distribution of microplastics, their physical and chemical properties, and the potential ecological consequences they pose to marine and freshwater environments. The paper also examines the current scientific knowledge on the mechanisms by which microplastics affect aquatic organisms and ecosystems. By synthesizing existing research, this review underscores the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies and further investigation to safeguard the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.
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“Plastic production depletes finite fossil fuel resources, its molecular structure readily absorbs and transport persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and its durability results in slow degradation and long-term environmental accumulation.”
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Metadata
- Authors
- Ali, N., Khan, M. H., Ali, M., Sidra, Ahmad, S., Khan, A., Nabi, G., Ali, F., Bououdina, M., & Kyzas, G. Z.
- Affiliations
- Huai'an University (CN)
- University of Peshawar (PK)
- Institute of Nature Conservation (PL)
- Hazara University (PK)
- Prince Sultan University (SA)
- International Hellenic University (GR)
- Corresponding author
- Ali, Nisar
- Khan, Adnan
- Kyzas, George Z.
- ORCID
- Venue
- Science of The Total Environment
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2024-02
- Volume
- 913
- Pages
- 169489
- ISSN
- 0048-9697 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W4390350225
- Cited by
- 262
- References
- 215
- Citations by year
- 2026: 52 · 2025: 142 · 2024: 68
- FWCI
- 4.09
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Licence
- Locations
- The Science of The Total Environment (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Huaiyin Institute of Technology (202111049352)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts
- Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
- Keywords
- microplastics, aquaculture, aquatic ecosystems, microplastic sources, primary and secondary microplastics, microplastic fragmentation, microplastic migration, microplastic toxicity, marine environment, freshwater ecosystems, plastic pollution
- MeSH terms
- Microplastics, Environmental Monitoring, Plastics, Water Pollutants, Chemical, Ecosystem
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