• Yogendra Kumar

The overuse and non-biodegradable nature of plastic has created a global crisis on our ecosystem and the environment. The sources of single used plastics in various forms such as packaging material, containers, plastic bottles, carry bags, straws, cutlery, etc. have been increasing the problems in routine life of the society. The smaller plastic fragments less than or equal to 5 mm in length are referred to as microplastics. Microplastics can enter into the food chain in different ways. Microplastics possess the ability to absorb organic contaminants and act as vectors of hazardous chemicals in living systems. Human health is severely affected due to inhalation and ingestion of microplastics in various ways. Degradation of plastic by physical and chemical processes may prone to health hazard. In order to save the flora and fauna of the earth from microplastic hazards, the potential sources of microplastics should be identified and use of plastics be controlled, and plastic litters should be recycled and reprocessed. To minimize our dependency on plastics, the suitable alternatives should be identified and adopted. This paper highlights the effect of plastic pollution on environment and human health, and evaluate mitigation strategies to reduce plastic pollution in order to restore sustainability.

Microplastic, sustainability, ecosystem, health hazards, food chain, global crisis

"Environmental and Health Impacts of Plastic Pollution: Innovative Mitigation Strategies", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no.e742-e748, October-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510489.pdf

"Environmental and Health Impacts of Plastic Pollution: Innovative Mitigation Strategies", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 10, page no. ppe742-e748, October-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2510489.pdf