Hema Digambarrao Makne
Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) have emerged as pervasive contaminants across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. India, particularly the Maharashtra coast along the Arabian Sea, is experiencing increasing microplastic accumulation due to urbanization, industrial discharge, fisheries activities, and tourism pressure. The incorporation of microplastics into aquatic food chains represents a serious ecological and public health concern. This review synthesizes current evidence on sources, environmental distribution, trophic transfer mechanisms, physiological impacts on aquatic organisms, and biodiversity consequences, with special emphasis on Maharashtra. Studies across Indian waters confirm ingestion in plankton, benthic invertebrates, commercial fishes, and apex predators. Microplastics induce oxidative stress, immune modulation, histopathological alterations, and endocrine disruption, thereby threatening ecosystem stability. Furthermore, their role as vectors of toxic organic pollutants enhances ecological risk. The review highlights emerging data from the west coast of India and identifies research gaps, monitoring needs, and governance strategies relevant for sustainable coastal management. Addressing microplastic incorporation into food webs is essential for safeguarding marine biodiversity and fisheries-based livelihoods in Maharashtra.