Microplastics in the ecosystem and methods to identify them

Plastic pollution, a globalized threat, awakens many scientists to optimize the methods for removal of plastics from the environment. Exploration of plastic degradation pathway throws light on the formation and presence of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). These are the result of fragmentation of bulk plastic wastes by physical, chemical, and biological processes. The treatment of wastewater from domestic use, industries, and other places filter nearly 90% of MPs. Still, the percolation of MPs and NPs was not prevented. Infinitesimal structure and versatility enable the MP and NP particles to seep through various niches of soil, wastes (marine and fresh), and atmosphere. The presence of MPs in the environment accumulates in the food chain and results in biomagnification. The occurrence of MPs and NPs persists in the environment and requires a better alternate treatment process. Conversion of bulk plastics into materials has dragged interest but it does not eliminate the toxic nature of plastics. The ultimate fate of bulk plastics on fragmentation leads to the formation of MPs and NPs. Biological removal of plastic wastes also forms MPs and NPs which in turn requires a monitoring method to determine its presence. This chapter provides a glimpse of how MPs and NPs are formed, their fate in the ecosystem, and their prevalence in the environment. The chapter also focuses on methods to detect the presence of MPs and NPs formed by the fragmentation using various treatment processes.