Microplastics in Aquatic Environments: Sources, Toxicity, and Nanotechnology Solutions for a Plastic-Dependent World: A Systematic Review

Summary

This review pulls together existing research on tiny plastic particles (microplastics) polluting rivers and lakes, especially in South Asia and Pakistan, and looks at what scientists know about their health risks. The good news is researchers are developing high-tech cleanup methods—like special magnetic particles and tiny filtering materials—but the review finds most of these solutions are still early-stage lab experiments, not ready for real-world use yet. This matters because it shows we're still years away from large-scale fixes, meaning reducing plastic use and improving water treatment now remain our best tools for limiting microplastic exposure.