Microplastics: The Invisible Invaders – Unveiling Sources, Journeys, Impacts, and Cutting-Edge Remedies in a Plastic-Choked World

Microplastics, synthetic polymeric particles under ۵ mm, have permeated every environmental niche, from oceanic depths to terrestrial soils and human tissues, posing profound ecological and health risks. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge on their classification, polymer types, primary and secondary sources, and entry pathways driven by human activities such as wastewater discharge, agricultural practices, and urban runoff. It explores transport mechanisms influenced by physical properties, biofouling, and environmental forces, leading to accumulation in hotspots like river deltas and agricultural lands. Ecological impacts include ingestion by wildlife, causing malnutrition and microbial disruptions, while human health concerns encompass chemical toxicity via food chains and systemic exposure, inducing oxidative stress. Detection technologies range from vibrational spectroscopy to AI-powered sensors, and remediation innovations span physical filtration, biological degradation, and nanotechnology hybrids. Challenges like scalability, fouling, and secondary pollution are addressed alongside policy frameworks, including microbead bans and the Global Plastic Treaty. Emphasizing the urgency of a circular economy and harmonized standards, this review calls for integrated strategies to mitigate this Anthropocene hallmark, safeguarding ecosystems and public health.

کلیدواژه ها:

Microplastics ، Polymer Types ، Human Health Risks ، Detection Technologies ، Remediation Innovations