Microplastic pollution: Critical analysis of global hotspots and their impact on health and ecosystems

Abstract

This paper examines microplastic hotspots and their drastic effects on human health and the environment pointing out microplastic pollution as one of the biggest global issues. Besides, it analyses the key sources including industrial effluent discharge, littered plastic wastes, and deterioration of synthetic products together with pathways and routes of exposure. The review also focuses on microplastic contamination in food systems such as meat, plant-based products, dairy, and seafood, detailing their entry into the food chain via soil, water, and air. On the other hand, this work also focuses on human health issues including cellular absorption, and bioaccumulation, which results in tissue oxidative stress, inflammation, hormonal imbalance and adverse long-term effects, including carcinogenicity and organ toxicity. The ultimate effects of microplastic pollution on the condition of the soil, water, and fauna and flora of the ecosystem, highlighting on the need for the prevention measures, were also addressed. This paper seeks to critically ascertain the problems posed by microplastics, including their slow biodegradation limit, the absence of proper regulations, and lack of a universally accepted standard. It also highlights that microplastic pollution requires interdisciplinary analyses, future studies, and high standards-compliant policies and regulations. This work raises the alarm for a collective international effort to protect the public health, food, and the earth.