Mitigating the Impacts of Macro- and Microplastics on Marine Ecosystems: An Overview of Supporting Strategies and Cleanup Systems

In recent years, plastic litter in marine ecosystems has emerged as a global concern. Consequently, efforts to control, mitigate, and remove micro- and macroplastics from marine systems have intensified. In order to thoroughly analyze this topic, the present work provides a comprehensive overview of various strategies aimed at reducing plastic waste pollution spread in marine areas. Based on this, worldwide regulations limiting single-use plastic (SUP) products and microplastics in health care products were discussed. Further attention was also paid to bioplastic production as a potential alternative to non-degradable ones, with particular attention to their different degradability rates in various environmental compartments. Finally, strategies for the reduction in plastic pollution were specifically analyzed through a review of plastic litter collection/removal systems from beaches and the marine environment as well as different waterways. According to the above-mentioned aspects, this work highlights the significance of marine plastic litter pollution and provides support for the identification and selection of effective strategies for the mitigation of the impact of such litter on the environment.