Challenges associated with preventive measures and environmentally acceptable techniques to control microplastics

The pollution caused by microplastics (MPs) is a result of the unsustainable use and disposal of plastic waste in modern society, posing threats to economies, ecosystems, and human health. In response to this issue, mitigation strategies and environmentally acceptable techniques have been developed to control the release and accumulation of MPs. However, the effective implementation of these strategies faces several challenges. This chapter provides an overview of the challenges associated with mitigation strategies and environmentally acceptable techniques for controlling MPs. MPs can come from a variety of sources, including industrial wastes, personal care items like toothpaste , cosmetics, textile synthetic fibers , paint based on synthetic polymers , and the fragmentation of larger plastic debris. Each source requires specific strategies for prevention and control, making it difficult to develop comprehensive and standardized preventive measures. Establishing standardized protocols for sampling, characterizing, and analyzing MPs is crucial to ensure accurate and consistent data for decision-making purposes. By addressing the difficulties, it is possible to develop effective and sustainable approaches to mitigate the release and buildup of MPs, thereby protecting ecosystems and promoting human well-being. This chapter critically assesses different strategies implemented to manage MPs and explores the impediments associated with executing preventive measures.