Analytical Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in Water Resources and Challenges for Sustainable Management

Mohadeseh Shahsavari¹

1) MSc Graduated of Environmental Pollution, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran -

IOI Code : ACCD-ACZDBC
Publication : 10th International Conference on Applied Researches in Science & Engineering (carseconf.com)
Abstract :
    Microplastic pollution has become an important environmental concern because of the diverse sources, multiple transport pathways, and complex behavior of microplastics in aquatic environments. This study aimed to assess microplastic pollution in water resources and examine the challenges associated with its sustainable management. An analytical approach was used to extract, classify, and compare findings from relevant scientific studies. Selected studies were obtained from major scientific databases, and information on sources and entry pathways, particle characteristics and distribution, transport and fate, environmental impacts, monitoring and identification methods, and control and removal strategies was examined. The findings showed that wastewater, urban and surface runoff, industrial activities, and inadequate plastic waste management are major pathways for microplastic entry into water resources, although their relative importance varies with local conditions and watershed characteristics. Particle size, shape, and polymer type, together with hydrodynamic conditions, sediment interactions, and other environmental factors, influence the transport, accumulation, and fate of microplastics. The assessment of control strategies showed that removal efficiency alone is insufficient for evaluating the sustainability of treatment technologies; energy and material requirements, secondary waste generation, scalability, and the fate of separated particles should also be considered. Sustainable management therefore requires an integrated approach combining source reduction, control of entry pathways, targeted treatment and separation, management of generated waste streams, and continuous monitoring and assessment. This approach can support a shift from short-term pollution control toward more integrated and sustainable management of microplastics in water resources.

Keywords : microplastics water resources water pollution monitoring pollution control sustainable management