What impact do microplastics have in aquatic environments?

Microplastics have a significant impact on aquatic environments primarily because they can be ingested by marine organisms, which allows them to enter the food web. These tiny plastic particles originate from various sources, including degraded larger plastic items and microbeads in personal care products. When marine organisms, such as fish and shellfish, mistake microplastics for food, they consume these particles. This ingestion can lead to physical harm, such as blockages or injuries to internal organs, and can also cause chemical harm due to the toxins that plastics may leach into the organisms' bodies.

Once microplastics enter the food web, they can accumulate in larger predators, including humans who consume seafood. This bioaccumulation poses health risks, as the toxins attached to microplastics can concentrate as they move up the food chain. Thus, acknowledging the role of microplastics in the diet of marine organisms highlights their crucial and detrimental influence on aquatic ecosystems, demonstrating their pervasive ability to disrupt ecological balance.