Investigating the Impact of Microplastics on Marine Phytoplankton Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functions

1. Introduction 2. Background Information 2.1 Definition of Microplastics 2.2 Overview of Marine Phytoplankton 2.3 Ecosystem Functions of Phytoplankton 2.4 Previous Studies on Microplastics 3. Microplastics in Marine Environments 3.1 Sources and Types 3.2 Distribution Patterns 3.3 Degradation Processes 4. Phytoplankton Biodiversity 4.1 Importance of Biodiversity 4.2 Current Biodiversity Status 4.3 Threats to Phytoplankton Diversity 5. Impact of Microplastics on Phytoplankton 5.1 Mechanisms of Interaction 5.2 Changes in Population Dynamics 5.3 Case Studies and Observations 6. Effects on Ecosystem Functions 6.1 Carbon Cycling 6.2 Nutrient Cycling 6.3 Food Web Alterations 7. Methods of Study 7.1 Sampling Techniques 7.2 Laboratory Experimentation 7.3 Data Analysis Approaches 8. Mitigation and Future Directions 8.1 Current Mitigation Strategies 8.2 Policy Recommendations 8.3 Areas for Future Research