Microplastics in the environment: sources, impacts, and strategies for mitigation

Microplastics (MPs) are small polymeric materials with a diameter of 5 mm or less that are formed by ultraviolet (UV) degradation, abrasion, erosion, and the breakdown of human-made products under external forces. Their presence and mobility in the environment are becoming a major concern as their adverse effects on living beings have become increasingly significant in the environment. Researchers have observed the accumulation of MPs in human blood, fish gills, soil, and water. However, there is still a lack of data regarding their environmental distribution, toxicity, analytical detection methods, and effective removal techniques. Microplastic pollution has become a global environmental issue. This study discusses the various sources of microplastics, their pathways of distribution and environmental contamination, remediation techniques, the impacts of microplastic consumption, and the limitations and challenges faced by existing remediation approaches. This manuscript aims to serve as a valuable resource for understanding microplastics including their sources, pathways, analysis, environmental and health impacts, and removal strategies.