An overview of the sources, impacts, and management techniques of microplastics in the marine environment

The presence of microplastics in the sea is a significant environmental concern due to their abundance, persistence, and portability. They have the potential for widespread distribution and can cause geophysical and biological impacts. They are persistent pollutants and are widely distributed in all ecosystems, from the atmosphere to the soil, and from groundwater to oceans. Examples of these compounds have been identified in sediments and even in the deep sea. So far, studies on the effects of microplastics on the marine ecosystem have primarily focused on various plankton samples, sand and mud sediments, the ingestion of vertebrates and invertebrates, and the interactions with chemical pollutants. According to studies conducted so far, all groups of marine organisms are at serious risk of interacting with microplastics. Considering this scientific fact, a thorough evaluation of these emerging pollutants is strongly needed. The purpose of this study is to provide valuable information on microplastics, including their sources, distribution, and the effects of pollution on marine organisms. Additionally, this study aims to address the lack of advanced sustainable solutions to effectively manage this hazardous environmental pollutant.