Micro-plastics from land to water: An emerging global threat and microbial degradation as a pathway to sustainable remediation

Micro-plastics in aquaculture have emerged as a research hotspot as micro-plastic pollution has grown to be a global environmental concern. A thorough grasp of micro-plastic pollution in aquaculture is required for reasons related to food safety, economic efficiency, and environmental safety. An overview of the causes and consequences of micro-plastics in aquaculture is provided in this review. Micro-plastics have the potential to release toxic additives, adsorb pollutants, deteriorate the aquaculture environment, have toxicological effects, and alter the behaviour, growth, and reproduction of aquaculture products, all of which can lower aquaculture’s economic benefits. Aquaculture products that contain micro-plastics could also be harmful to human health in a number of ways. Furthermore, there are currently workable solutions for reducing micro-plastic contamination in aquaculture employing microorganisms to break down plastic and packaging, as well as for enhancing aquaculture management New portable micro-plastic monitoring systems and remote sensing technology are thought to have a wide range of potential applications as preventative measures, little is known about the impact of micro-plastics on human health and the toxic effects that may vary depending on the type, size, shape, and concentration of micro-plastics. Therefore, more research is needed to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of micro-plastic toxicity and related pathologies.