ARCHIVES
VOL. 7, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Effects of microplastics on aquatic life and food chains
Authors
Srishti Tripathi, Dr. Chitra Singh
Abstract
Microplastics, defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have
emerged as pervasive pollutants in marine and freshwater ecosystems, raising
concerns over their persistence, widespread distribution, and ecological
relevance (Thompson et al., 2004). This study aims to assess the rates
of microplastic ingestion by representative aquatic organisms, evaluate
associated physiological stress responses, and elucidate pathways of trophic
transfer within food webs (Cole et al., 2013) [2]. We
combined field sampling of water, sediment, and biota with controlled
laboratory exposure experiments on Danio rerio (zebrafish) and Daphnia
magna, employing density separation, FT-IR spectroscopy, and fluorescence
microscopy to characterize microplastic uptake, retention, and translocation.
Our results demonstrate significant bioaccumulation in both primary consumers
and higher-order predators, accompanied by elevated oxidative stress
biomarkers, histopathological alterations, and reduced growth and reproductive
performance. Calculated biomagnification factors indicate upward transfer of
microplastics across multiple trophic levels, suggesting potential disruptions
in energy flow and nutrient cycling (Wright et al., 2013) [3].
These findings underscore the urgent need for integrated monitoring frameworks
and targeted mitigation strategies to curtail microplastic pollution and
safeguard aquatic ecosystem health.
Download
Pages:56-60
How to cite this article:
Srishti Tripathi, Dr. Chitra Singh "Effects of microplastics on aquatic life and food chains". International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Vol 7, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 56-60
Download Author Certificate
Please enter the email address corresponding to this article submission to download your certificate.