微塑料在海洋中的分布、生态效应及载体作用

微塑料通常被定义为最大尺寸小于5 mm的塑料碎片.受人类活动的影响,微塑料在海洋环境中广泛存在,引起了人们对其潜在影响的关注.由于粒径较小,微塑料可以通过多种途径进入水生生物体内,沿着食物链迁移、传递,影响海洋生态系统的健康与稳定.在海洋中长期停留的微塑料会吸附环境中的重金属、有机污染物和微生物等,加剧微塑料对海洋生物的毒性作用.本文综述了海洋环境中微塑料的污染特征,微塑料对海洋生物行为、生理等的影响,以及微塑料与微生物、其他污染物的相互作用和复合效应,并对微塑料对海洋环境及生物影响的研究进行了展望.

Distribution, ecological effects, and carrier function of microplastics in the marine environment

In recent years, microplastics (defined as particles less than 5 mm in diameter) have become a ubiquitous plastic polymer present in marine environments. Due to their small size, microplastics might be ingested by a variety of marine organisms and can be migrated and transferred along the marine food chain, threatening the marine ecosystem''s health and stability. Microplastics in the marine environment also adsorb pollutants (such as heavy metals and organic pollutants) and carry microbes, which may cause more serious toxicological effects. This review mainly summarizes the characteristics and distribution of microplastics in the marine environment and the impact on the behavior and physiology of marine biota, especially the food chain. Moreover, the interactions and combined ecological effects of microplastics with other pollutants are analyzed. The main focus of the review is to provide an outlook for future studies on the effects of microplastics on the marine environment and biology.