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VOL. 10, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Microplastics in the environment: Sources, distribution, impacts, and mitigation strategies
Authors
M Jude Jenita
Abstract
The exponential growth of global plastic production has resulted in the
pervasive presence of microplastics (MPs) across aquatic, terrestrial, and
atmospheric environments. These particles, typically less than 5 mm in size,
originate either as intentionally manufactured materials (primary
microplastics) or as fragments generated through the degradation of larger
plastic debris (secondary microplastics). Due to their small size, persistence,
and complex chemical composition, microplastics readily bypass conventional
waste and wastewater treatment processes, facilitating their accumulation in
ecosystems worldwide. Of particular concern are microfibers released from
synthetic textiles during routine laundering, which represent one of the most
dominant sources of microplastic pollution. Once released, microplastics
undergo physical, chemical, and biological transformations that influence their
transport, aggregation, biofouling, and ultimate fate. These processes enable
microplastics to act as vectors for toxic additives, persistent organic
pollutants, and pathogenic microorganisms. Growing evidence indicates that
exposure to microplastics poses significant risks to aquatic organisms,
ecosystem functioning, and human health through ingestion, inhalation, and trophic
transfer. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the sources,
environmental distribution, transport mechanisms, ecological and human health
impacts, and governance and remediation strategies related to microplastic
pollution, highlighting critical research gaps and the urgent need for
coordinated global action.
Pages:1-13
How to cite this article:
M Jude Jenita "Microplastics in the environment: Sources, distribution, impacts, and mitigation strategies". International Journal of Chemical Science, Vol 10, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 1-13
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