LAUSR

The gravity of the impending threats poses by microplastics (MPs) pollution in the environment cannot be over-emphasized. Several research studies continue to stress how important it is to curb the proliferation of these small plastic particles, with different physical and chemical properties, especially in aquatic environments. While several works ranging from how to monitor, detect and remove MPs from the aquatic environment, there is still a lack of explicit regulatory framework, globally for mitigation of MPs. Herein, we present a critical review that summarizes and discusses recent advances in MPs research and emphasizes the need for regulatory frameworks devoted solely to MPs. These frameworks may also be useful for reducing the proliferation of MPs in the environment. Based on all reviewed studies related to MPs research, we identified the major types and sources of MPs in water bodies examined the recent ways of monitoring MPs routinely to minimize projected risks, and proposed recommendations on consensus and regulatory actions that will be effective for MPs mitigation.