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The increase in plastic debris and its environmental impact has been a major concern for scientists. Physical destruction, chemical reactions, and microbial activity can degrade plastic waste into particles smaller than 5 mm, known as microplastics (MPs). MPs may eventually enter aquatic ecosystems through surface runoff. The accumulation of MPs in aquatic environments poses a potential threat to finfish, shellfish, and the ecological balance. This study investigated the effect of MP exposure on freshwater and marine fish. MPs could cause significant harm to fish, including physical damage, death, inflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of cell signalling and cellular biochemical processes, immune system suppression, genetic damage, and reduction in fish growth and reproduction rates. The activation of the detoxification system of fish exposed to MPs may be associated with the toxicity of MPs and chemical additives to plastic polymers. Furthermore, MPs can enhance the bioavailability of other xenobiotics, allowing these harmful substances to more easily enter and accumulate in fish. Accumulation of MPs and associated chemicals in fish can have adverse effects on the fish and humans who consume them, with these toxic substances magnifying as they move up the food chain. Changes in migration and reproduction patterns and disruptions in predator-prey relationships in fish exposed to MPs can significantly affect ecological dynamics. These interconnected changes can lead to cascading effects throughout aquatic ecosystems. Thus, implementing solutions like reducing plastic production, enhancing recycling efforts, using biodegradable materials, and improving waste management is essential to minimize plastic waste and its environmental impact., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Improper disposal of household and industrial waste into water bodies has transformed them into de facto dumping grounds. Plastic debris, weathered on beaches degrades into micro-particles and releases chemical additives that enter the water. Microplastic contamination is documented globally in both marine and freshwater environments, posing a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems. The small size of these particles makes them susceptible to ingestion by low trophic fauna, a trend expected to escalate. Ingestion leads to adverse effects like intestinal blockages, alterations in lipid metabolism, histopathological changes in the intestine, contributing to the extinction of vulnerable species and disrupting ecosystem balance. Notably, microplastics (MPs) can act as carriers for pathogens, potentially causing impaired reproductive activity, decreased immunity, and cancer in various organisms. Studies have identified seven principal sources of MPs, including synthetic textiles (35%) and tire abrasion (28%), highlighting the significant human contribution to this pollution. This review covers various aspects of microplastic pollution, including sources, extraction methods, and its profound impact on ecosystems. Additionally, it explores preventive measures, aiming to guide researchers in selecting techniques and inspiring further investigation into the far-reaching impacts of microplastic pollution, fostering effective solutions for this environmental challenge., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)