Impact of plastics on marine environments: from macro-to microplastic pollution

Since 1950s, the introduction of plastic materials in the global markets has led to important technological advances and brought many advantages in our life. Synthetic polymers are durable, lightweight, moldable and for these properties widely used in different sectors. However, the main disadvantage of the worldwide diffusion and the increased demand of plastics is represented by their disposal, which occurs too often in an uncontrolled way and ending up in the natural environment. Combining this aspect with the durability of plastics, the consequence is the problem of plastic pollution. In recent years, great attention and concern has been arising on the presence and consequent impact of plastics in marine environments. Plastic litter has been reported to interact by entanglement or ingestion with several species, from seabirds to crustaceans, fish, turtles and even big marine mammals. The problem of plastic pollution have become even more worrisome and challenging, when it was discovered that it involves not only the macro scale, but also the micro dimensions. Microplastics, plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, have been found in seas and oceans, rivers, lakes and remote places like the artic and the deep sea. These particles can be ingested and interact with marine fauna and potentially can leach toxic compounds or accumulate pollutants already present in the water. Currently, it is important to provide more researches and data on the impact of microplastics on the environment, particularly to better understand the possible consequences on humans.