Microplastics and their fate in Marine Environment: A review

Abstract

Microplastic (MP) is a collective term to describe a heterogeneous mixture of plastic particles ranging in size from a few microns to several millimetres in diameter. MPs are pollutants threatening the marine environment globally. Plastics released to the environment, over time, will be exposed to weathering, sunlight, and mechanical degradation, large plastics will become brittle and break down into secondary microplastic or MPs can be released directly from cosmetics and personal care products. These MPs are composed of several plastic types and can be affected on marine environment (primary MP), not only by itself but also by accumulating other pollutants such as heavy metals and organic pollutants.