The success of plastic as a material has shaped the development of modern society and challenged older materials in many of their established uses. However, plastic is now a major component of litter and is extensively reported within the marine environment. Impacts from plastic debris have been identified as a major global conservation issue with implications for maritime industries, tourism, marine life, and human health. Although there are many benefits of plastic, it is clear that society's relationship and reliance on plastics needs to be addressed. Conversely, alternative materials to replace plastic items, or solutions mitigating plastic release, also need to be critiqued to make sure their properties and environmental impacts are more beneficial. This review examines the history and impact of plastics in the marine environment. Current solutions that aim to mitigate plastics accumulation in the environment and the future challenges of plastic as a material are also discussed.

中文翻译：

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海洋环境中的塑料碎片：历史和未来挑战

塑料作为材料的成功塑造了现代社会的发展，并挑战了旧材料的许多既定用途。但是，塑料现在是垃圾的主要成分，并且在海洋环境中得到了广泛的报道。塑料碎片的影响已被确定为全球主要的保护问题，对海洋工业，旅游业，海洋生物和人类健康具有影响。尽管塑料有很多好处，但是很明显，社会的关系和对塑料的依赖需要得到解决。相反，还需要对替代塑料的替代材料或减轻塑料释放的解决方案进行评估，以确保其性能和环境影响更为有利。这篇评论考察了塑料在海洋环境中的历史和影响。