A comprehensive review on microplastics: Their presence in surface and ground water, environmental distribution, and impact on human and aquatic systems

Microplastics are ubiquitous pollutants in aquatic habitats that provide serious threats to human health and the environment. This paper thoroughly investigates the microplastics distribution, environmental behavior of microplastics in surface and groundwater systems and their effects on aquatic systems and humans. It looks at how microplastics enters surface water bodies and then infiltrate into groundwater systems. The modes of transportation, their function as carriers of contaminants and current status in surface and ground water is also investigated. Furthermore, the effects of microplastic pollution on the environment and human health are assessed, with a focus on bioaccumulation and possible threats to aquatic organisms. Microplastic characteristics including size and morphology critically influence their absorption, translocation and potential adverse effects in humans. This study emphasizes on introducing standardized analytical procedures for groundwater microplastics study. In order to provide the groundwork for multidisciplinary research and sustainable water management, this paper aims to clarify the threats that microplastics pose to the environment and to people. This paper also discussed the current challenges and potential approaches for reducing microplastic contamination.