Summary
This critical review consolidates current knowledge on microplastics as a contaminant of increasing ecotoxicological concern in aquatic environments. The authors address the lifecycle of plastic-derived pollutants from industrial production through environmental dispersal, highlighting the particular hazard posed by microparticles due to their size, persistence and ubiquity across environmental compartments. The paper evaluates existing and emerging removal technologies as potential mitigation pathways.
UK applicability
The findings are broadly applicable to UK aquatic systems, which face microplastic contamination from similar industrial and consumer sources. However, the review's geographic scope and policy recommendations would require contextualisation against UK-specific regulatory frameworks (such as the Environment Act 2021 microbeads ban and forthcoming water quality standards) and local hydrological conditions.
Key measures
Sources and pathways of microplastic introduction; distribution and accumulation patterns in aquatic environments; ecotoxicological effects; removal and remediation technologies
Outcomes reported
This comprehensive review synthesises evidence on the origination, accumulation, ecotoxicological impact, and removal technologies for microplastics in aquatic systems. The paper examines microplastic contamination arising from industrial production across multiple sectors including cleaning products, cosmetics, packaging, fertilisers, automotive, construction and pharmaceuticals.
Topic tags
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