Microplastic in Water System: A Review of Their Impact on Environment, Current Perspective and Future Direction

Microplastics have become so widespread across the planet that scientists now consider them markers of a new geological era often referred to as the "Plasticene". Despite their growing presence, the full impact of microplastics, especially the toxic additives used in plastic production, remains poorly understood. These substances can persist in the environment and pose serious risks to human health when associated with micro and nano-plastics. This study highlights the most hazardous chemicals embedded in plastic products and explores their environmental and health consequences. One of the most pressing global challenges today is the detection, prevention, and removal of microplastic pollution in aquatic systems. Microplastics enter water bodies either directly or through the breakdown of larger plastic debris. It is estimated that 4 to 12 million tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into oceans annually. To address this issue, the paper reviews advanced techniques used to identify and analyze microplastics, including Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, pyrolysis-GC, thermal desorption, and imaging technologies. It also examines the sources, movement, and fate of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems, along with the environmental factors that influence their spread. Furthermore, the study discusses how engineering and biotechnological innovations such as improved water treatment systems can help mitigate or eliminate microplastic pollution. As plastic waste gains increasing attention on the global policy agenda, governments, NGOs, and international bodies are launching initiatives to reduce its impact across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. Plastic pollution varies in form, color, composition, and size from macro-plastics to micro and nano-plastics. Since their commercial rise in the mid-20th century, plastics have revolutionized consumer markets but also triggered long-term environmental concerns due to their durability and slow degradation. Today, plastic debris is found not only in oceans but also in the air, soil, and freshwater systems making it one of the most urgent environmental threats of our time.