Introduction: Microplastic (MP) pollution in freshwater systems presents a critical environmental and potential human health challenge. These systems act as major conduits and reservoirs for MPs, yet effective, scalable, and standardized management strategies remain elusive. This review integrates the state-of-the-art across analytical detection, scalable remediation technologies, and international policy frameworks to propose a holistic management paradigm.

Methods: The study critically reviews sampling and characterization methodologies, focusing on spectroscopic (Raman, μ-FTIR) and emerging AI-enhanced imaging techniques, alongside an appraisal of physical (membrane filtration), chemical (Advanced Oxidation Processes, AOPs), and biological remediation strategies.

Results: High-resolution detection is being rapidly advanced by AI integration. Remediation analysis indicates that while tertiary treatment (e.g., Ultrafiltration/Nanofiltration) offers the highest removal efficiency, persistent membrane fouling severely limits full-scale application. Furthermore, current predictive models for ecological risk assessment are insufficient to fully capture the complex toxicity of MPs and their associated contaminants.

Discussion: Effective management requires a paradigm shift towards upstream policy interventions, including mandated production limits and improved product design. The critical barrier to implementation is the high cost and scalability of advanced removal technologies in municipal water infrastructure. Future research must prioritize the development of cost-effective, hybrid detection-remediation systems and globally harmonized monitoring protocols.

Microplastics, Freshwater Pollution, Remediation Technologies, Membrane Filtration, Analytical Detection, Policy Frameworks, Water Security

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