Ecotoxicological Assessment of Microplastics in Freshwater Sources-A Review

High living standards and a comfortable modern way of life are related to an increased usage of various plastic products, yielding eventually the generation of an increased amount of plastic debris in the environment. A special concern is on microplastics (MPs), recently classified as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). This review focuses on MPs' adverse effects on the environment based on their bioactivity. Hence, the main topic covered is MPs' ecotoxicity on various aquatic (micro)organisms such as bacteria, algae, daphnids, and fish. The cumulative toxic effects caused by MPs and adsorbed organic/inorganic pollutants are presented and critically discussed. Since MPs' bioactivity, including ecotoxicity, is strongly influenced by their properties (e.g., types, size, shapes), the most common classification of MPs types present in freshwater are provided, along with their main characteristics. The review includes also the sources of MPs discharge in the environment and the currently available characterization methods for monitoring MPs, including identification and quantification, to obtain a broader insight into the complex problem caused by the presence of MPs in the environment.

Automated summary

The increase in high living standards and modern ways of life have led to a rise in plastic products usage, resulting in more plastic debris in the environment, with a particular focus on microplastics (MPs) as emerging contaminants of concern. This review examines the adverse effects of MPs on the environment, particularly on aquatic organisms, and discusses the cumulative toxic effects of MPs and adsorbed pollutants. It also covers the sources of MPs discharge, classification methods, and monitoring techniques to address the complex issue of MPs in the environment.