INVISIBLE CONTAMINANTS: THE IMPACT OF MICROPLASTICS ON FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY

Abstract

Microplastic have been a persistent and pervasive pollutant in freshwater systems in the past decade and are a major ecological and environmental concern. Pollutant is referred as plastic particulate matter whose size is under 5 mm in diameter, including primary pollutants such as industrial products and items in people's care and secondary pollutants that are created because massive plastic particles break down. Freshwater is another important route and sink for micro plastic; they can be dispersed more extensively through environment via rivers, lakes and streams. This paper summarizes the sources, types, routes, and environmental impacts of micro plastics in fresh water. It highlights its spatial diversification, sedimentation and role in generation of special microbial communities. The interaction with new water organisms is also considered and includes fresh water organism ingestion, trophic transfer, physiological stress, and possibly toxicity. Moreover, Microplastics act as carriers of poisonous substances and microorganisms, which only contributes to increasing its environmental contribution. The paper also reviews the current detection, quantification and removal technologies for Microplastic, including the latest analytical technologies and wastewater treatment technologies. However, all this has not yet been achieved without significant headwinds, due to the variability in approach and measurement capability it lacks for the smaller particles such as nanoplastics. Lastly, the review covers the control strategies and identifies key gaps in the research, especially in the ecological impact of the control interventions in the long term and the standardized research methods. Overall, the findings emphasize the need for an integrated approach that incorporates technological advancements, policy measures, and public education to minimize Microplastic pollution and protect freshwater ecosystems.