Plastic microbeads: small yet mighty concerning

Abstract

The net use of plastic has increased and this augmentation in plastic usage results in ever- growing accumulation of plastic waste in our ecosystems. Regrettably, a portion of this waste is the microplastics including microbeads, which are tiny plastic particles <5 mm in diameter. Microbeads are used in our personal care products. Although, legislative ban of microbeads in some developed countries has proven effective, but many countries do not take any legal action. Hence, microbead-containing products are openly sold in international market and entered into the food chain and disturb it. In human beings and animals, plastic when ingested causes internal bleeding, abrasion, ulcers and blockage of the digestive tract. The present review highlighted the bioaccumulation of microbeads via the food chain and its adverse effect on environment health. Moreover, different scientific views and suggestions for eradication of the problem and present scenario of the use of microbeads in some Asian countries have also been discussed.