The increasing global production and widespread use of plastic have led to
an accumulation of large amounts of plastic debris in the ocean. Microplastic exists in
the marine environment on a global scale and can harm a great variety of marine
organisms. Pollution caused by microplastic and associated pollutants, such as organic
chemicals and heavy metals, threatens the survival of marine organisms. In this
chapter, the following contents are summarized: (i) the distribution of microplastic in
marine environment; (ii) the presence of microplastic in marine environment and
organisms; (iii) the effects of microplastic on marine ecology, including the toxic
effects on marine organisms, the effects on distribution of pollutants, and the combined
pollution caused by microplastic and associated pollutants; and (iv) several aspects to
work on the management and research of microplastic are proposed. Extensive research
on microplastic pollution is going on.
Keywords: Marine Plastic Debris, Microplastics, Persistent Organic Pollutants,
Heavy Metals, Ecological Effect, Combined Pollution.
