Microplastics Pollution: A Threat to Biosphere

The fragments of the plastics smaller than 5 mm are called microplastics. These are widely distributed contaminants in aquatic, terrestrial, and aerial environments. Microplastics are released into the environment due to the extensive use of plastics and microplastics for various purposes, such as mulching, commercial organic fertiliser, and cosmetics. In addition, microplastics are also released from industries like polymer, textiles, and transport industries. The mismanagement of plastic garbage also builds up in the environment and releases microplastics.

Microplastics not only act as contaminants but also act as vectors for numerous harmful chemical and biological pollutants, such as heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants, and pathogens, which have been linked to detrimental effects on the health of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

The present book will discuss the research carried out by the great scientific community working in the field of microplastic pollution in the soil, air, and water, as well as their potential remediation strategies. The readers would be able to find a loop between the significant sources of microplastic pollution, their impact on the biosphere, and solutions in one place. 

Dr. Vijay Kumar (kumarv.rs.apc13@itbhu.ac.in)

Assistant Professor, Kamala Nehru College, Delhi University

Dr. Vijay Kumar works as Guest Faculty, Satyawati College, Delhi University, New Delhi, India. He obtained his master’s degree from the Department of Environmental Science at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India 2012. He obtained his doctorate from Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University) Varanasi in the year of 2017.  The area of his doctoral research is biological synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles and their environmental and biological applications.  He has published more than 30 research papers in International Journals in the field of environmental science and environmental nanotechnology. He has edited one book in Elsevier and currently editing two books in Springer.