Research Progress on Effects and Treatment of Microplastic Pollution in Freshwater Ecosystems

Microplastics, as a new type of water pollutant, are receiving increasing attention. Due to their widespread distribution, being difficult to degrade, and toxic properties to organisms, they pose a serious threat to the health of freshwater ecosystems. This paper reviews the definition, classification, sources, as well as distribution and migration patterns of microplastics in the freshwater environment. It also discusses the toxicological effects of microplastics on freshwater organisms and the application of physical, chemical, and biotechnological technologies in the removal of microplastics. Microplastics can be categorized into primary and secondary microplastics based on types, sizes, and sources. Comprehensive analysis indicates that selecting appropriate microplastic collection and pretreatment methods is fundamental for quantitative and qualitative analysis and other research. The distribution and migration of microplastics are influenced by factors such as geographical locations, wind, water flow, a