Microplastics: Challenges, Solutions and Detection Techniques

Microplastics are tiny particles that are produced from the splintered waste of plastics dumped into water. Microplastics are easier to absorb by aquatic organisms, because of their smaller particle size and contribute to harmful waste. Due to their widespread availability and high potential for environmental interaction, microplastics damage the biosphere's flora and animals. Microparticles are created when plastics on the water's surface break down mechanically and photochemically due to waves and sunshine, respectively. Microplastics come in a variety of colors and densities depending on the type of polymers utilized. Water with floating microplastics is primarily made of polyethylene, which accounts for 54.5% of them. The other compounds are polypropylene, polystyrene, polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, and polyester. Polyethylene and polypropylene have an impact on the ocean's surfaces by floating because of their lower density relative to marine water, whereas materials with a higher density sink and have an impact on the seafloor. The pandemic (COVID-19) has also elevated the risks of microplastic pollution due to extensive single-use plastic usage. In this chapter, the effects of microplastic waste on waterways and aquatic environments from various sources along with the ways to reduce the risks due to them are discussed in detail.