Effects of Microplastics in Marine Ecosystem

The increasing global production and widespread use of plastic have led to an accumulation of large amounts of plastic debris in the ocean. Microplastic exists in the marine environment on a global scale and can harm a great variety of marine organisms. Pollution caused by microplastic and associated pollutants, such as organic chemicals and heavy metals, threatens the survival of marine organisms. In this chapter, the following contents are summarized: (i) the distribution of microplastic in marine environment; (ii) the presence of microplastic in marine environment and organisms; (iii) the effects of microplastic on marine ecology, including the toxic effects on marine organisms, the effects on distribution of pollutants, and the combined pollution caused by microplastic and associated pollutants; and (iv) several aspects to work on the management and research of microplastic are proposed. Extensive research on microplastic pollution is going on.

Keywords: Marine Plastic Debris, Microplastics, Persistent Organic Pollutants, Heavy Metals, Ecological Effect, Combined Pollution.