Microplastic and Macro plastic Contamination Analysis and Detection in Freshwater and Marine Water Bodies

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental concern because of its widespread presence in freshwater and marine ecosystems. Both macro plastics and microplastics are increasingly found in rivers, lakes, coastal regions, and oceans, where they can harm aquatic life and eventually affect human health through the food chain. This review examines recent studies on the sources, distribution, occurrence, and impacts of plastic contamination in aquatic environments. It also discusses commonly used sampling methods and analytical techniques for detecting plastic particles, including FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Pyrolysis–Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), and hyperspectral imaging. In addition, findings from selected freshwater and marine case studies are reviewed to provide a better understanding of the extent of plastic pollution and its environmental consequences. The review highlights several challenges, such as the absence of standardized sampling protocols, limited long-term monitoring, and the difficulty of identifying very small plastic particles. Addressing these issues will require improved detection methods, better waste management practices, and stronger collaboration among researchers and policymakers. Overall, this review summarizes the current understanding of plastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems and identifies important areas for future research and effective pollution management.