Microplastics: General Prospectives

Microplastics, characterized as plastic particles less than 5 millimeters (mm) in size, constitute a pervasive environmental contaminant with significant ecological and health consequences. This chapter delineates fundamental issues, definitions, sources, particularly in textiles, and the dissemination of microplastics in the atmosphere and ecological systems. This chapter presents essential information, including the definition of microplastics and their sources, such as diverse textile fibers and air streams, while subsequent chapters focus on specific issues and give comprehensive insights.