Currently, more than 5,300 grades of
synthetic polymers have been produced for our convenience and have
unfortunately become the source of emerging environmental pollutants. Small fragments of
plastic debris are called microplastics and the knowledge of its contamination
in freshwater ecosystems was very scarcein contrast to the inordinate amount of plastic
being discarded. This book gave a
brief overview on what plastics were, their origin, and where they end up in the
environment.
The authors also presentinteresting conflictsregardingmicroplastic and nanoparticle scienceand make an effort
to learn from past experiences. The gaps in knowledge and further
researchtopicsincluding major
advances and challengesare proposed in an interesting
manner. However, many issues such asthe effects on
freshwater biota and ecosystem were not scrutinized due to its sensitive nature.This book alsocontainscase
studies from Europe, Asia, and Africa. The last part of the book focuses on the interaction
of microplastics and the society including sociological perspectives on the
risk perception, media and politics associated with microplastics. Finally, the authorsconclude the book
with an outlook providing solutionsto theenvironmental
plasticenigma. This book is
recommended for students, environmentalists, academicsand researchers
whowant
to increase their knowledge and aid their search for “need of the hour” research topics. The book can also
benefit the general public to gain understanding of current environmental
situations.