Current research on the effects of plastics pollution in marine and freshwater aquatic invertebrates

Abstract

Plastics pollution in the aquatic environments represents one of the most critical worldwide issue. Every year, million tons of waste products are reversed both in marine and freshwaters, persisting for long timings and determining serious effects to living organisms. Here, these synthetic materials are fragmented in small particles, known as micro- and nanoplastics, under the effects of both biotic and abiotic factors. Due to their characteristics, smaller fragments are easier accumulated inside animal tissues and organs, risking to enter in the trophic chain. To date, despite the current situation, only a small amount of research has been conducted, especially on aquatic invertebrates, which can represent a suitable model for better analyzing the possible plastics dangerous effects. For this reason, in the present review we aim to collect the recent information about micro and nanoplastics effects on both marine and freshwaters invertebrates. In particular, we do not only focus the attention on the obtained results, but also, we report the main experimental methods and particle types used. Regardless of the heterogeneity present in literature, the actual data result fundamental for setting up the future research.