Since 1950, there has been a notable surge in plastic production, with approximately 381 million tons of plastics being produced by 2015, sparking global apprehension regarding plastic pollution. Microplastics, which are plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, result from the degradation of plastic-based products across various ecosystems. These particles accumulate in freshwater and seawater bodies, urban and rural areas, as well as ocean in sediments. The primary and secondary sources of microplastics in water bodies include plastic pellets, fragmentation of plastic objects, fishing activities, and offshore drilling, with ocean seabeds serving as significant repositories for plastics. Various analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and near-infrared spectroscopy, are discussed in this chapter as effective tools for the identification and quantification of microplastics in water. Concerns about the ecosystem impacts of microplastics in both freshwater and marine environments, as well as their diverse effects on aquatic life such as marine invertebrates, fish, algae, zooplankton, and sea turtles, highlight potential risks to human health through microplastic ingestion and the presence of plastic constituents in human tissues. To address microplastic pollution sustainably, management strategies should encompass regulations and policies to control plastic production and usage, with a focus on regional collaboration, public awareness campaigns, and educational initiatives. Implementing preventive measures such as the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) is crucial, and international cooperation is imperative to tackle the global issue of microplastic pollution. Sustainable waste management practices and removal technologies are vital for mitigating microplastic pollution in aquatic environments, given the persistence and low degradability of microplastics. The lack of research on microplastics in less affluent nations underscores the need for comprehensive studies, particularly in freshwater settings. Challenges include the difficulty in detecting and quantifying microplastics, the absence of standardized reporting, and the necessity for enhanced methodologies in wastewater treatment facilities. Sustainable strategies for plastic waste management, adherence to circular economy principles, and active public engagement are recommended to diminish plastic and microplastic pollution.