Microplastics: The stemming environmental challenge and the quest for the missing mitigation strategies

Repetitious manufacturing, usage and irresponsible disposal trigger the breakdown of primary and secondary plastics, ending up in aquatic, terrestrial, and pristine locations like arctic tundra due to their diaphanous property. Owing to their origin, size, interaction with other contaminants, and chemical behavior they can be very idiosyncratic; they not only accumulate in the ecosystem, imparting chemical alterations but also are being consumed by the aquatic and terrestrial animals leading to hazardous consequences. Washing machine waste-water significantly contribute to the global microplastic load. For the past few years, microplastics (MP) and microfibers (MF) have been contaminants of grave concern pertaining to their deleterious nature against human, marine, and ecosystem health and grabbed the attention of environmental researchers. This review sums up the inimical ramifications of these tiny particles on biota, their types and characterization strategies, along with the biological removal strategies of these plastics and fibers highlighting the circular economy approach to limit them in the source and the enzymatic pathways regulating their eradication. Additionally, there are several research gaps in the biological remediation of these particles, which can be explored further to develop distinct, lucrative and ecologically reliable technologies for combating this mammoth (ironically) environmental adulterants.

Automated summary

Repetitious manufacturing, usage, and irresponsible disposal of plastics have led to their breakdown and accumulation in aquatic, terrestrial, and pristine locations. Microplastics and microfibers are of grave concern due to their deleterious effects on human, marine, and ecosystem health. This review discusses the harmful ramifications of these tiny particles, their characterization strategies, and biological removal methods, emphasizing the circular economy approach and enzymatic pathways for eradication. Further research is needed to develop effective technologies for combating this environmental pollution.