Microplastics Pollution: Global Challenge and Future Potential Solution

The global issue of plastic pollution is intensifying day by day due to the growing demand for plastics in every sector and the poor plastic waste management practices. The extensive use and improper disposal of plastics lead to the inevitable introduction of microplastics into the water, soil, and environment. The mechanical and physiochemical characteristics of plastics change due to environmental exposures that lead to the fragmentation of plastics and formation of microplastics (size < 5 mm). Microplastics have the ability to alter the soil natural biogeochemical processes that will affect the functioning of soil microorganisms, directly affecting soil fertility and human life. According to reports, about 4 and 12 million tons of plastic enter the aquatic ecosystems through the seas and oceans, causing the deaths of many aquatic animals. Microplastic plastic pollution is a central issue due to its high stability, long residence time, fragment rapidly and can adsorb other toxic substances, and slow degradation in water and soil. This chapter primarily focuses on the accumulation of microplastics in global environment. This chapter addresses the global scenario of microplastic pollution, highlighting data and source contributions from various sources while discussing, ecosystem impacts, and removal methods. This chapter extensively explores the worldwide issue of microplastic pollution, highlighting various contributing sources and investigating its significant effects on ecosystems, as well as effective removal strategies.