Micro and nano-plastics pollution in freshwater ecosystems: Sources, risks and mitigation strategies

Micro and nano-plastics (MNPs) are pervasive pollutants ranging in size from 1mm and 1nm respectively. MNPs are entering in aquatic ecosystem by various means and posing significant threats to the ecosystem functioning, wildlife and human health. Due to the excessive use of plastic, we are generating a huge plastic waste everywhere and the generated waste also gets accumulated in our water bodies. Various studies have been conducted worldwide, confirming the presence of micro and nano-plastics (MNPs) in water bodies, however the sources of their origin vary accordingly and associated risks are still less talked about. This review paper highlights various sources of MNPs and their influence on aquatic freshwater ecosystem and dependent species. It also focuses on suggesting strategies which can be implemented to minimize the MNPs pollution.