Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the defining environmental challenges of the twenty‑first century. While plastics underpin modern economies through their versatility and durability, their uncontrolled production and mismanagement have resulted in widespread contamination of rivers, coastal zones, mangroves, marine ecosystems, and even drinking water. Of particular concern is the presence of microplastics, now detected across environmental compartments, food systems, and biological tissues—with growing implications for ecosystem integrity and human health.This edited volume delivers a timely, interdisciplinary examination of plastic and microplastic pollution across freshwater, coastal, and marine environments. Bringing together contributions from international experts, the book integrates environmental science, engineering, policy analysis, and emerging technologies to explore sources, pathways, distribution patterns, and impacts of plastic pollution across diverse geographic and socio‑economic contexts. The book also critically assesses advances in microplastic detection and monitoring, evaluates sustainable alternatives and recycling technologies, and highlights circular economy approaches.
