Marine biodiversity forms a crucial part in balancing the environment, regulating climate and protecting coastal areas while supporting millions of lives. However, the increase in population and use of microplastic is creating pollution across marine biodiversity. For example in the UK, the consumption rate of microplastic has increased drastically causing the release of 910,000 tons of plastic waste in surface water deposited in the sea (BBC, 2023). In consideration of the figure illustrated below it is examined that the level of microplastic is expected an increase 6.4 times by 2100 affecting marine life on a global scale (IAEA, 2021).
(Source: IAEA, 2021)
Examining the changing condition of marine biodiversity due to the deposition of microplastic the research is set out to determine the major contributing factor causing the rise of microplastic waste in water bodies. Moreover, the study is set out in the context of examining its impact on marine biodiversity.
The deposition of microplastic creating pollution in the marine environment is due to the increasing use of single plastic, poor waste management practices and usage of microbeads in products (UNESCO, 2023). Pollution forming on marine environment is affecting the lives of aquatic species with generating toxic and susceptible diseases. Take the case of the UK where scientists found 100% of marine animals had been washed up on the shores of Britain after finding plastic on their stomachs. Plastic pollution is killing 1 million sea birds and more than 100,000 turtles, fish and mammals due to the generation of toxins with microplastic affecting life and breeding (Keep Britaintidy.org, 2025).
(Source: McCarthy, 2022)
Discussing the illustrated figure it is determined that pollution in oceans is caused due to plastic waste and this accounts for affecting 14.1% of the seven aquatic ecosystems (McCarthy, 2022). Due to the ingestion of microplastics the marine ecosystem involving zooplankton contaminated the coral's reefs and caused a serious issue in environmental health (PML, 2024). Identifying this effect of mica-plastic on aquatic life the research intends to shed light upon exploring the impact created by microplastic on aquatic species health and ecology.
The research aims to "examine the impact of microplastic pollution on marine biodiversity, focusing on its effects on species health aquatic ecosystems and ecological balance”
Objectives of the research are
● To determine the effects of microplastic pollution on the survival, health and reproduction of marine species
● To examine the impact of microplastic pollution on the functioning and structure of marine ecosystems
● To identify the role of microplastics in biomagnifications and bioaccumulation across marine food chains.
● To recommend strategies for reducing microplastic pollution and preserving marine biodiversity.
The study applies the interpretivism philosophy to analyse the effect microplastics on marine species by interpreting the main context of the study and accessing reality about marine biodiversity. As per Junjie and Yingxin (2022), interpretivism philosophy accounts for developing human interest through social construction and understanding of reality. The selected philosophy is applied to assess the reality of the use of microplastic pollution and develop a human interest in the impact of microplastic on marine species. Conversely, positivism only focuses on gaining knowledge through observation directly and realism exists on examining philosophical views independently not found to be suitable for this research.
Furthermore, the inductive approach is also applied to examining the impact of microplastic on the marine environment due to its nature of forming patterns and building relations. The inductive approach involves forming a specific observation of the related phenomena and establishing a relation (Susanto et al. 2024). The researcher finds the selected philosophy useful for finding patterns in the changes occurring in marine biodiversity due to the increase in plastic waste generation. Furthermore, the relationship is established between microplastic waste and its effect on marine species' health and productivity. On the contrary deductive approach is not applied due to its nature of testing hypotheses and making general observations not included in this study. In addition, a qualitative research strategy is followed for conducting research where non-numerical data are obtained including experience, opinion and point of view associated with the selected topic.
The research focuses on examining the impact of microplastic on marine biodiversity, obtaining information regarding this topic area of the employment data collection process is considered essential. In this research, data are collected applying a secondary data collection method that includes obtaining of wide set of data from diverse data sources. The collection of data from secondary sources helps in adding information and knowledge from distant areas (Alam, 2021).
The project included 24 secondary data sources including Journals, articles, government reports on marine ecosystems, newspaper articles and online websites. Furthermore, the journals are obtained from data sets such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, Wiley Online Library and JSTOR. The collection of these secondary data is filtered out by applying a purposive sampling method where data are segregated and selected based on this research requirement. In the words of Robinson (2024), the purposive sampling method involves the selection of samples based on selection criteria and characteristics. The research has selected samples forming inclusion-exclusion criteria that mainly include data published after 2020, associated with project keywords selected and written in the English language. Conversely, those data samples not fulfilling these framed criteria are excluded and not applied for further investigation in this study. Furthermore, the selection of the sample is performed following the filtering process of PRISMA, as presented below.
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Full text articles (n=6892)
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Records identified through journals (n=20420)
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Additional Records identified (n=201)
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Records obtained (n=20621)
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Records screened (n=9951)
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Records excluded for not published in English (n=3059)
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Full text articles reasonably excluded (n=6868) Out of scope (n=2705) Insufficient detail (n=2101) Limited rigor (n=2022)
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Studies included in qualitative synthesis (n=24) |
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Identification
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Screening
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Eligibility
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Included
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Removal of duplicate records (n=10670)
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(Source: Self Developed)
Thus, following this selection method, the research selected 24 secondary data as samples for evaluating the study topic.
The secondary data collected as mentioned in the above section requires in-depth analysis and evaluation to obtain detailed knowledge of the data in connection to the selected topic. As per Braun and Clarke (2024), data analysis as a process involves an examination of data to identify patterns and solutions for the problem identified in the research. In this particular study, the secondary data obtained is analysed by performing a systematic literature review process where all the obtained data are systematically fragmented and analysed in consideration of to research topic. The following of systematic literature review process includes certain steps to be followed starting with defining of research question, planning the strategy and evaluating the literature. All the steps mentioned and identified from the selected framework are followed thoroughly in this research for conducting a systematic review of literature in conjunction with objectives, thus, following this analysis method, the researcher develops suitable themes based on objective and topic variables adequately.
In developing this research appropriate ethical measures and procedures were followed adequately throughout the processing of this study. During the data collection process, all the secondary data obtained are cited with the referring author's name under the reference list to maintain transparency. Furthermore, all the data obtained are derived from relevant and valid sources leading to the addition of value in this study. Thus, following these measures no ethical issues were identified and this research is screened under the Research Ethics Framework of Bangor University appropriately.
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Sr No |
Article name |
Author name |
Findings |
Relevance |
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1 |
The adverse health effects of increasing micro plastic pollution on aquatic mammals |
Nabi et al,2022 |
The article finds about the use of microplastic as an emerging pollution affecting aquatic mammals and their ecosystem. The author informs about increasing health concerns of aquatic mammals and their survival getting challenged due to diverse toxicological behaviour and chemical properties of microplastic (MP). Findings from the articles explain serious health issues of aquatic mammals leading to a reduction in population and creating a state of vulnerable species. |
The findings results obtained are relevant for understanding the tax logical profile of Microplastic affecting aquatic biodiversity, mammals and their ecosystem |
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2 |
Unveiling the effects of microplastics pollution on marine fauna |
Paul et al, 2024 |
The selected article finds out about the environmental concern arising with MP creating instability in marine ecosystem. Findings from this article highlight various sources of MP disposition across different tropic levels and its effects on the marine food chain, loss of biodiversity and degradation of the marine environment. |
The selected article is relevant in terms of identifying the increasing pollution with marine affecting habitat structure and ecosystem service. |
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3 |
Environmental microplastics compromise reproduction of the marine invertebrate Mytilus galloprovincialis |
Romdhani et al, 2024 |
In this research, the obtained findings are about the presence of MP within marine ecosystems posing a major threat to marine invertebrates by affecting fertilization rate. Due to the EMP composition of MP fertility rate of marine species reduced required for cell proliferation. |
Researching this article is relevant for identifying the negative effect of MP on embryo development and affecting coastal ecosystems. |
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4 |
Harmful effects of the microplastic pollution on animal health: a literature review |
Zolotova et al, 2022 |
The selected research article informs about the rising environmental pollution due to MP found on water and soil affecting living organisations globally. Animal health is largely affected by indigestion of MP leading to environmental changes and loss of biodiversity. Consumption of MP by marine animals has a resulting impact on their overall health such as a decline in fertility, and feeding behaviour. Reducing in development and growth of larval as well as increasing the consumption rate of oxygen. MP is found to be creating damage to the structural and biochemical properties of the aquatic environment. |
Information obtained from the concerning research is significant for understanding the influencing effect of MP on animal health. Furthermore, it also holds relevance in terms of identifying the major health risk concerns due to MP affecting overall biodiversity and ecosystem. |
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5 |
A critical review of interactions between microplastics, microalgae and aquatic ecosystem function |
Nava and Leoni, 2021 |
The concerning article obtains results stating about interaction formed between MP and aquatic ecosystem functions. Findings from this research inform that the widespread of MP and its interaction with aquatic life affects the aquatic communities due to forming changes in microalgae growth due to plastic debris. The entire marine food web is affected in terms of productivity. |
Researching this selected article signifies over-identifying the potential impact of MP on the growth of aquatic communities and aquatic food web. |
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6 |
Linking effects of microplastics to ecological impacts in marine environments |
Khalid et al, 2021 |
The article links the effect of MP on marine ecosystems with causing pollution and contamination levels. The topology of marine ecosystems including size, variable surface and thermal properties gets changed due to the toxicity of MP. Negative interaction between the marine environment and pollution negatively affects the ecology and increases the level of contamination. |
Researching the selected article is significant for understanding the changes occurring in the marine environment due to MP. Relevance is also determined by examining the ecological effect of MP pollutants creating major threats for aquatic animals. Moreover, the research is also relevant for finding areas for development and accessing the risk imposed on ecology. |
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7 |
Transport of persistent organic pollutants: Another effect of microplastic pollution? |
Gateuille and Naffrechoux, 2022 |
The findings from the concerning article highlight the toxic properties of MP and its interaction with marine habitats causing a change in functional design. The chemical composition of MP acts as a local source of exogenous molecules and this affects the chemical composition of aquatic organisms. Interaction formed between plastic particles and the marine environment creates changes in environmental factors including organism composition, population, salinity and organic matter concentration in the water bodies. |
The concerning research holds relevance in terms of examining the potential effect of plastic toxicity causing a change in the environment of marine species. In addition, identifying the level of interaction formed is relevant for understanding the role and the effect of MP on marine habitat and ecology. |
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8 |
The importance of soil life and how it is influenced by (micro) plastic pollution |
Joos and De Tender, 2022 |
In this article, the main findings obtained state to explain the major influence of MP on affecting soil composition of marine ecosystem. The research finds out about the occurrence of different microbial activities and their composition affecting MP leading to the change in soil microbe system as well as reducing the level of diversity. MP's existence serves to affect the local habitat and terrestrial ecosystem affecting biosphere structure. |
Researching this topic is relevant for determining the changes occurring in the soil composition of the marine environment. Determining the change forming with MP is relevant for examining the changes occurring and affecting the ecosystem function and also reducing the growth of marine species. |
Table 1: Systematic Literature Review
(Source: Self Developed)
Alam, M.K., 2021. A systematic qualitative case study: questions, data collection, NVivo analysis and saturation. Qualitative Research in Organizations and Management: An International Journal, 16(1), pp.1-31.Available at: https://doi.org/10.1108/QROM-09-2019-1825 Accessed 20th January 2025
BBC, 2023. How microplastics are infiltrating the food you eat. [Online]. Available at: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20230103-how-plastic-is-getting-into-our-food
Braun, V. and Clarke, V., 2024. Thematic analysis. In Encyclopedia of quality of life and well-being research (pp. 7187-7193). Cham: Springer International Publishing. Available at:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17299-1_3470 Accessed 20th January 2025
Gateuille, D. and Naffrechoux, E., 2022. Transport of persistent organic pollutants: Another effect of micro plastic pollution?. Wiley Interdisciplinary Reviews: Water, 9(5), p.e1600.Available at:DOI: 10.1002/wat2.1600 Accessed 20th January 2025
IAEA, 2021. World Oceans Day 2020. [Online]. Available at: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/world-oceans-day-2020-new-iaea-research-records-dramatic-increase-in-microplastic-pollution-in-eastern-tropical-pacific-ocean
Joos, L. and De Tender, C., 2022. Soil under stress: The importance of soil life and how it is influenced by (micro) plastic pollution. Computational and structural biotechnology journal, 20, pp.1554-1566. Available at:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.csbj.2022.03.041 Accessed 20th January 2025
Junjie, M. and Yingxin, M., 2022. The Discussions of Positivism and Interpretivism. Online Submission, 4(1), pp.10-14.Available at:DOI: 10.36348/gajhss.2022.v04i01.002.Accessed 20th January 2025
Keep Britaintidy.org, 2025.Our plastic waste has a devastating impact on marine life. [Online]. Available at: https://www.keepbritaintidy.org/get-involved/support-our-campaigns/plastic-challenge/impact-wildlife#:~:text=In%20fact%2C%20scientists%20recently%20found,it%20doesn't%20simply%20disappear.
Khalid, N., Aqeel, M., Noman, A., Hashem, M., Mostafa, Y.S., Alhaithloul, H.A.S. and Alghanem, S.M., 2021. Linking effects of microplastics to ecological impacts in marine environments. Chemosphere, 264, p.128541.Available at:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128541 Accessed 20th January 2025
McCarthy, 2022. Plastic Items Dominate Ocean Garbage. [Online]. Available at: https://www.statista.com/chart/25056/waste-items-polluting-oceans/
Nabi, G., Ahmad, S., Ullah, S., Zada, S., Sarfraz, M., Guo, X., Ismail, M. and Wanghe, K., 2022. The adverse health effects of increasing micro plastic pollution on aquatic mammals. Journal of King Saud University-Science, 34(4), p.102006.Available at:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jksus.2022.102006 Accessed 20th January 2025
Nava, V. and Leoni, B., 2021. A critical review of interactions between microplastics, microalgae and aquatic ecosystem function. Water research, 188, p.116476.Available at:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2020.116476 Accessed 20th January 2025
Paul, S., Nath, S., Bhattacharjee, S. and Mukherjee, S., 2024. Unveiling the effects of microplastics pollution on marine fauna. Blue Biotechnology, 1(1), p.6. Available at:https://doi.org/10.1186/s44315-024-00006-6 Accessed 20th January 2025
PML, 2024. Microplastic Pollution in focus at the MICRO 2024 Conference. [Online]. Available at: https://pml.ac.uk/news/microplastic-pollution-in-focus-at-the-micro-2024-conference/ Accessed 20th January 2025
Robinson, R.S., 2024. Purposive sampling. In Encyclopedia of quality of life and well-being research (pp. 5645-5647). Cham: Springer International Publishing.Available at:https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17299-1_2337 Accessed 20th January 2025
Romdhani, I., Venditti, M., Gallo, A., Abelouah, M.R., Gaaied, S., Boni, R., Alla, A.A., Minucci, S. and Banni, M., 2024. Environmental microplastics compromise reproduction of the marine invertebrate Mytilus galloprovincialis: A holistic approach. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 480, p.136219. Available at:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.136219 Accessed 20th January 2025
Susanto, P.C., Yuntina, L., Saribanon, E., Soehaditama, J.P. and Liana, E., 2024. Qualitative method concepts: Literature review, focus group discussion, ethnography and grounded theory. Siber Journal of Advanced Multidisciplinary, 2(2), pp.262-275.Available at:https://doi.org/10.38035/sjam.v2i2.207 Accessed 20th January 2025
UNESCO, 2023. Ocean plastic pollution an overview: data and statistics. [Online]. Available at: https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/
Zolotova, N., Kosyreva, A., Dzhalilova, D., Fokichev, N. and Makarova, O., 2022. Harmful effects of the micro plastic pollution on animal health: a literature review. PeerJ, 10, p.e13503.Available at:https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13503 Accessed 20th January 2025
