Toxic effects of microplastics in aquatic environments and the pathways to sustainable management

Environmental hazards caused by untreated synthetic polymer wastes, which are harmful to the environment after being gradually broken down into microsized particles through a number of processes. Many studies focusing on microplastics (particle sizes ranging from 1 to 5 mm) have been published. Recent discoveries of microplastics in the atmosphere of cities, suburbs, and even remote areas raise the possibility that the atmosphere might carry microplastics over long distances. The tiny size of microplastics, compared with that of macroplastics, makes their detection in environmental samples more difficult and necessitates the requirement of more advanced analytical methods. Microplastics have been detected using a wide range of technologies. This extensive review focuses on the Indian Governmental policies regarding plastic pollution and the origin, classification, detection, marine environmental effects and effective treatment strategies of microplastics. In this study, we also discuss the current approaches, research gaps of previous studies and future challenges. This review suggests that the employment of biological methods of deterioration should be prioritised in order to ensure the continued viability of the ecosystem.