Microplastics in Water Resources: Threats and Challenges

This study is a review of current knowledge on microplastics (MPs) in aquatic environments. In addition to identifying the sources of contamination by MPs in water and the hazards of their presence, an attempt is made to systematize the terminology of polymeric microparticles according to their size and to describe other parameters characteristic of MPs, i.e., shape and color. Special focus was placed on a review of the most important methods used to extract MPs from environmental matrices, as well as the latest and most effective analytical methods, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. The value of the paper is in pointing out important developments in MPs analytics, identifying existing inaccuracies and limitations in the field and providing practical guidance. Thanks to its comprehensive approach, this article is a valuable resource for researchers concerned with the problem of environmental MPs pollution.