Microplastics Dynamics: Unveiling Sources, Sinks, and Removal Strategies for Mitigating Environmental Contamination

As a pervasive environmental threat, microplastics have emerged as a major concern for aquatic biota, impacting their health and causing entanglement due to the persistence and bioaccumulation of these extremely small plastic particles. Their ubiquity (lakes, rivers, oceans, and wetlands) and diverse forms (fibers, pellets, fragments, granules, and films) demand effective removal strategies. This chapter tackles this challenge by exploring microplastic sources, sinks, and the unique role of wetlands in their mitigation. Assessing microplastic sources, sinks, and best ways to increase removal efficiency should be a top priority among local government agencies. Moreover, this chapter provides insights into the status of microplastic pollution and ways to improve the removal efficiency of plastics at main sources. While various techniques show promise for microplastic removal, current limitations include energy requirements, secondary pollution, and lack of scalability. Additionally, research and regulatory gaps remain regarding the establishment of environmental concentration thresholds and contamination source reduction targets. Addressing these gaps alongside the advancement of mitigation capabilities is critical to assess and reduce the acute, chronic, and system-level impact microplastics have on aquatic environments. This chapter provides key insights to support further multidisciplinary research efforts aimed at responsibly managing plastic waste to preserve the ecosystem and human health amidst this rapidly emerging pollutant threat.