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Microplastic Pollution: A Global Environmental Crisis Impacting Marine Life, Human Health, and Potential Innovative Sustainable Solutions

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  • Prithviraj Karak

    (Department of Physiology, Bankura Christian College, Bankura 722101, India)

  • Afsona Parveen

    (Department of Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Technology, Durgapur Institute of Paramedical Science, Durgapur 713212, India)

  • Anindya Modak

    (Department of Human Physiology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata 700009, India)

  • Atin Adhikari

    (Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Environmental Health Sciences, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA)

  • Sankha Chakrabortty

    (School of Chemical Engineering, KIIT Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar 751024, India)

Abstract

Pollution, especially plastic pollution, presents a serious worldwide danger to essential environmental resources. Microplastics are tiny plastic fragments varying in size from 50 μm to 5 mm. The primary aim of this article is to develop an extensive review grounded in the latest data accessible until 2024, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 329 data points were collected and 297 of those were removed through filtering, leaving 32 articles for the study, and taking into account the complete evolution of all the publications. This study seeks to enhance public awareness and knowledge among researchers about the harmful effects of plastic pollution on the environment and society by identifying its sources and consequences for humans and ecosystems. A detailed analysis of the sources of microplastics in the oceans and their detrimental effects on marine organisms is presented. This research additionally explores the transport of microplastics through various environmental pathways, including water and air. Aquatic species ingest microplastics, which subsequently transfer up the food chain, including humans, and these risks are discussed. Microplastics may increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to DNA and cellular damage, oxidative stress, alterations in gene expression, and decreased cell viability. Developing clear and effective guidelines and regulations is crucial for addressing the adverse issues related to microplastics. All participants in the policymaking and implementation of these guidelines must understand their roles and responsibilities.

Suggested Citation

  • Prithviraj Karak & Afsona Parveen & Anindya Modak & Atin Adhikari & Sankha Chakrabortty, 2025. "Microplastic Pollution: A Global Environmental Crisis Impacting Marine Life, Human Health, and Potential Innovative Sustainable Solutions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(6), pages 1-22, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:6:p:889-:d:1670463
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Leonardo Alberghini & Alessandro Truant & Serena Santonicola & Giampaolo Colavita & Valerio Giaccone, 2022. "Microplastics in Fish and Fishery Products and Risks for Human Health: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(1), pages 1-17, December.
    2. Lewis T. O. Cheung & Ching Yee Lui & Lincoln Fok, 2018. "Microplastic Contamination of Wild and Captive Flathead Grey Mullet ( Mugil cephalus )," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-11, March.
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