Microplastics: A Review on Biological Effects, Analysis and Degradation Methods

The emergence of microplastics (MPs) has aroused widespread concern around the world. They spread all over the ocean and land in various environmental media , causing serious environmental pollution. Microplastics are generally defined as plastic fibers, particles or films with a particle size of less than 5 mm, which can be absorbed and accumulated by organisms, causing ecological and health risks. In fact, many microplastics can reach the micron or even nanometer level and are invisible to the naked eye, so they are vividly compared to the "PM2.5" in the ocean. As a hot issue in the current academic and social circles , this review aims to systematically introduce the source and distribution, biological effects, analysis and identification methods of microplastics in the environment, and focus on the degradation strategies and research results of microplastics pollution, providing a reference for the future study of microplastics degradation.