A Critical Review on the Characterization and Distribution of Microplastic Contaminants in Indian Water Environments: Pathways and Related Hazards

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Abstract
Microplastics (<5 mm) have become a pervasive environmental pollutant, contaminating marine and terrestrial ecosystems globally. Their persistence, low recycling rates, inadequate waste management, and extensive use in maritime activities facilitate widespread distribution. Microplastics are found in various media, including biota, water, soil, air, and human consumables. India’s growing plastic production and inadequate recycling infrastructure have intensified microplastic research over the past two decades. This study undertakes a systematic review of the extant literature on microplastics (MPs) in India’s freshwater ecosystems, with a focus on lacustrine and riverine environments. A comprehensive bibliographic search was performed utilizing multiple databases, including ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. Our finding reveals that marine ecosystems have received significant attention, other compartments (freshwater, terrestrial environments, and human consumables) remain understudied. Running streams facilitate microplastic transport across ecosystems, exacerbating their ubiquity. Moreover, this review synthesizes existing literatures on microplastic distribution, characteristics, fragmentation, and pathways of microplastics in Indian aquatic environments. Therefore, to better understand the microplastic issue, we propose broadening research to encompass uninvestigated Indian aquatic environments, particularly pristine areas, and exploring all aspects of microplastic pollution, along with this, this review highlights critical research gaps and recommends sustainable management strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution.

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