Emerging threat of microplastics across environmental matrices encompassing sources ecotoxicological effects and management strategies within the framework of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Microplastics (MPs) are increasingly recognized as persistent and widespread pollutants that pose serious threats to environmental health. Due to their durability, resistance to natural degradation, and pervasive presence across ecosystems, microplastics accumulate across various environmental matrices. Therefore, this review synthesizes current knowledge on their sources, environmental distribution, and ecotoxicological impacts, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ecotoxicological effects of MPs on biota at all trophic levels, through ingestion, entanglement, and trophic transfer, often result in physiological stress, reproductive toxicity, and mortality in aquatic and terrestrial organisms. Human exposure, particularly through food chains, drinking water, and atmospheric inhalation, raises concerns over long-term health effects, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption. The growing threat of MPs also impedes progress toward several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water). Effective management of MPs requires a multifaceted approach that involves source reduction, technological innovations in wastewater treatment, public awareness, policy interventions, and the promotion of circular economic principles. Hence, this review emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary research to understand the sources, behaviour, transport pathways, ecological fate, and long-term impacts of microplastics across various environmental matrices.