Plastic Pollution and Ecosystem Health: Sources, Pathways, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies

Plastic pollution is a major global environmental challenge driven by the large-scale production and persistence of plastic materials. This review examines the sources, pathways, distribution, and ecological impacts of plastics across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. Plastics originate from industrial, domestic, agricultural, and transport-related activities and enter the environment through runoff, river systems, wastewater, and atmospheric processes. Over time, they fragment into microplastics and nanoplastics, increasing their mobility and bioavailability. These particles are widely distributed in soil, water, and air, posing serious risks to biodiversity. Key impacts include ingestion, entanglement, habitat disruption, and chemical toxicity, along with trophic transfer within food webs. The study highlights existing research gaps and emphasizes the need for integrated strategies involving policy, technology, and public awareness to mitigate plastic pollution and protect ecosystem health.