Recent trends on microplastics pollution and its remediation: A review

Omnipresence of microplastics (<5mm) in our ecosystem has presented a worldwide concern for the threat it might present in the future. This review aims to highlight the toxic effect of microplastic on marine organisms, identify the research gaps in the microplastic identification techniques (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, Pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy, etc.) and remediation processes available (flocculation, membrane bioreactor, bioremediation, etc.) as well as throw light on the prospects to mitigate the microplastic pollution in the environment. The abundance of microplastics in the oceans and its subsequent ingestion causes false satiation leading to starvation, weakened immune system, reduced reproduction rate, and other toxic effects on marine organisms. Recent studies have also found the presence of microplastics in human bodies, without the true knowledge of its effects. Based on reviewed literature, combination of different analytical (identification) techniques are proven to be more useful in providing the detailed understanding of the microplastic sample in comparison to any one individual technique. Amongst all the available remediation techniques, bioremediation has shown the potency to be used as a sustainable, environment friendly, in-situ remediation process with engineered microbes/enzymes as the potent future of microplastic remediation.