Author(s)

Jingjing Kong, Tingting Gao, Qu Chen, Jingjing Zhang, Wenqian Qi, Zhifei Wang

Corresponding Author

Jingjing Kong

Abstract

Microplastics, as a new type of organic pollutant that has received increasing attention in recent years, have a wide range of sources, covering the degradation and fragmentation processes of various plastic products. Due to their small size, they are easily migrated and accumulated in natural environments, especially aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics are not only difficult to degrade naturally, but also often serve as carriers to adsorb and enrich harmful substances such as heavy metals and organic pollutants in water, forming complex composite pollution systems that pose a serious challenge to aquatic environments. The existence of microplastics provides a "microenvironment" for certain microorganisms to inhabit and reproduce, promoting the construction of specific biological communities; On the other hand, the intake of microplastics can block the digestive tract of aquatic organisms, affecting their feeding and nutrient absorption. Long term accumulation may also trigger inflammatory reactions, reproductive disorders, and even death, seriously damaging the health of organisms. This article delves into the complex mechanisms by which microplastic pollution affects aquatic ecosystems, aiming to reveal its potential ecological risks and provide a scientific basis for developing effective environmental management measures to mitigate and control the negative impacts of microplastic pollution on aquatic ecosystems.

Keywords

Microplastic pollution; Aquatic ecosystems; Influence mechanism