| dc.description.abstract | Microplastic pollution is one of the most severe global challenges faced in the present world. The discharge of
plastic products into the environment causes catastrophic damage to the aquatic, atmospheric, and soil systems.
Further, plastics accumulating from urban and stormwater runoff, littering, improper waste disposal and
management, industrial activities, and illegal dumping are several causes related to the increase in pollution of
microplastics. Alarmingly, thousands of tons of microplastics are detected annually, which leads to numerous
environmental and health hazards. Therefore, this study provides an overview of the state-of-the-art methods for
identifying microplastics, along with their classifications and sources that can facilitate advanced monitoring
capabilities. Analytical methods, including visual observation, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR),
Raman Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), were reviewed, along with supporting studies. All in all, a research gap in analytical
equivalence and standardization was identified, and hence, this review recommends establishing novel standards
for analytical methods in detecting microplastics. | en_US |
