Microplastics (MP), the environmental residues of advanced polymer technologies, are widely observed in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems as a direct result of anthropogenic activities. They are non-biodegradable and can persist in aquatic environments for long periods. These plastic-derived particles, measuring less than 5 mm in size, create multi-layered effects on biotic systems not only as physical pollutants but also through the endocrine-disrupting chemicals and heavy metals they carry. This review evaluates the environmental sources, mobility pathways, and behavior of microplastics in receiving environments within an interdisciplinary framework. It also discusses the methodological limitations of existing removal technologies and proposes a theoretical basis for innovative solutions. The limitations of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques for the characterization of microplastics are evaluated along with the comparative effectiveness of conventional and advanced methods used in removal processes. This study aims to fill gaps in the literature by offering recommendations from the perspective of sustainable environmental policies and advanced material technologies.
Sancak et al. (Fri,) studied this question.