Microplastics in the marine environment: Impacts, identification and treatments

The production and global consumption of plastics have increased significantly in recent decades, causing severe damage to the environment and biodiversity. Pollution by microplastics (MPs), originating from the fragmentation of larger plastic waste, the release of plastic fibers from fabrics, and the use of microbeads in personal care products, has emerged as a serious environmental and public health concern. Aquatic sources represent a critical risk, enabling the spread of MPs that can enter the food chain. Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of MPs even in the human brain, highlighting the urgent need to develop effective and accessible mitigation strategies and treatments. This article reviews the current state of knowledge on the impacts of MPs on aquatic ecosystems and the main strategies for their removal, focusing on biological and non-biological approaches. Techniques such as coagulation, adsorption, membrane filtration, and the use of microorganisms have been explored for wastewater treatment, although their efficiency varies. Government policies, such as the Microbead-Free Waters Act and the REACH Regulation, have contributed to reducing MP pollution. However, significant challenges remain, particularly in developing countries, where the implementation of solutions is limited by economic and technological factors.