Physiological Effects of Microplastic on Marine Organisms

Resumen

The beginning of the 20th century was an era of the rise of the plastic industries, with the rapid
manufacturing of plastic-based products. However, the 21st century has brought the need to confront its
consequences. Improper management, a lack of awareness about its negative effects, and the irresponsible
use and disposal of plastic products have turned our planet into a “plastic planet.” Microplastics are small
plastic pieces less than five millimetres long which form from a variety of sources including larger plastic
pieces that have broken apart, resin pellets used for plastic manufacturing, or in the form of microbeads.
This waste material significantly proves to be a great threat for human and animal health. Plastic or
Microplastic has polluted the marine environment significantly. The ever-increasing amount of
microplastics in the sea has resulted in considerable interest in their implications for oceanic animals. This
review aims to illustrate and explain how these plastic particles affect marine life, particularly at the organ
and cellular level.