MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION IN PAKISTAN'S FOOD CHAIN: HEALTH RISKS, EVIDENCE, AND MITIGATION CHALLENGES

Abstract

Microplastics the tiny plastic particles, have become a widespread environmental pollutant with serious consequences to ecosystems and human health. Their wide distribution is a result of the growing plastic production and chemical misuse, forming microplastics through industrial producers or natural fragmentation processes and consumers use. These particles are now also distributed in the air, soil, freshwater and marine environments, where they present an environmental risk by being taken up by organisms of different trophic levels and entering food webs. In Pakistan, where poor waste management, rapid urbanization and excessive use of single plastic has further aggravated microplastics pollution issues in terrestrial as well as aquatic ecosystems. The contamination of microplastics are found at high frequency in Pakistan freshwater ecosystem like Rawal Lake and Swat River, as well marine coastal region. Different types of polymers like polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene have been present  in surface waters, sediments. Microplastics serves as a vector for as it absorb toxic substances, including harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and disease-causing microorganisms. Oxidative stress, inflammation, organ damage, and disruption in endocrine and reproductive system are serious health effects caused by microplastics ingestion through contaminated food and portable water. This review highlights the potential sources of microplastics, its distribution across the ecosystem, and effects of microplastics especially within Pakistan, focusing on the country’s aquatic ecosystems, the trophic transfer in food web, and the health risks to human. Furthermore, this review will demonstrate how improved waste management, appropriate policies, and educated societies will combat microplastics. In Pakistan, refined research techniques and the newly integrated environment-related policies will microplastics concerned the health of humans and the ecosystem.