Microplastics – Global Scenario

Microplastics are emerging global contaminants and pollutants. There is growing interest in the scientific community on the subject of microplastics. This chapter focuses on the global scenario of microplastics as persistent contaminants in the environment. Recent advances in multidisciplinary research on microplastics, including distribution in the aerosphere, hydrosphere, and soil, as well as the sources, fate, distribution, toxicity, and management of microplastics, are covered in this chapter. Most microplastics are generated on land and end up in the marine environment. This chapter reviews the status of single-use plastics and microplastics in the aerosphere, aquatic environment, soil systems, and food chain and web, along with treatment technologies and management aspects. Sampling methods and treatment and analytical techniques used to identify microplastics in the triad of the environment are covered. Microplastics in beach and marine environments, leaching and adsorption, and microplastics from landfills and industrial wastewaters are appraised in the hydrosphere. Additionally, the presence of microplastics in sewage sludge and soils irrigated with wastewater or fertilized with sludge, as well as the possible effects on plants and human health, are discussed. Necessary strategies, including valuable resources for environmental researchers, ecologists and toxicologists, policymakers, and non-experts, are also covered. Macro- and molecular-level interactions of microplastics with the human, animal, and environmental domains of the triad are highlighted.