MNPs in marine environment: Sources, distribution, trophic transfer, toxicity, fate and the remediating role of epiplastic syntrophic microbial consortia (Biofilms)

Abstract

This review focuses on plastic pollution, which has emerged as an urgent environmental issue with microplastics (MiPs) and nanoplastics (NaPs) being widespread contaminants in marine ecosystem. These particles pose serious ecological and public health risks due to their ability to bioaccumulate and vertically transfer through the food chain rapidly. Ingestion of MiPs and NaPs (MNPs) causes harmful physiological and reproductive effects, threatening the stability and integrity of marine food chains. This review summarizes the sources, distribution, trophic transfer, toxicity and fate of MNPs involving the marine ecosystem. Microbial communities have displayed potential as remediating agent for MNPs; though the processes involved in NaP degradation remain poorly understood, highlighting the need for further research. The distinctive properties of NaPs complicate their interactions with microbial communities, pointing to the necessity for focused studies on their biodegradation pathways. This review advocates for a holistic strategy that employs epiplastic syntrophic microbial consortia (Biofilm) as bioremediating agents, as their interactions may enhance breakdown of MNPs in marine setting. Future research should aim to clarify the relationships between microbial consortia and NaPs, identifying ideal conditions that foster microbial growth and activity on these NaPs. This review will be helpful for innovating effective management strategies to reduce the impacts of these established pollutants; ultimately, increasing our understanding of MNPs in marine environment, which is critical for shaping policies that safeguards the future of marine ecosystem and public health. Tackling plastic pollution requires a collaborative approach across all scientific fields, emphasizing the gravity of this global challenge.