Plastic Pollution: A Growing Environmental Crisis
Plastic pollution is now a major worldwide problem with detrimental effects on the environment, the economy, and society. This review integrates recent studies and identifies important knowledge gaps to offer a comprehensive analysis of the causes, effects, and solutions of plastic pollution. The widespread use of single-use plastics, inappropriate waste disposal, and industrial production are the main causes of plastic waste, according to the paper. With a focus on the production and persistence of microplastics and nanoplastics, it investigates the routes by which plastics spread in both terrestrial and marine environments. The significance of shifting to a circular economy and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration to address this complex issue is emphasized. It also analyzes the ecological and human health risks associated with plastic pollution, such as toxicity, bioaccumulation, and ecosystem disruption. It also assesses current mitigation strategies, including advancements in biodegradation, recycling technologies, policy interventions, and consumer-driven initiatives.