This review critically examines the degradation mechanisms and removal strategies for microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems. MPs, ranging from 0.05 to 5 mm in size, are a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to their ingestion by marine organisms, which eventually enter the human food chain. The review highlights the importance of developing effective MP removal technologies to mitigate their ecological and health impacts. Strategies combining physical and chemical pretreatments with microbial degradation have shown promise in decomposing MPs. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and specific enzymes are being leveraged in MP remediation efforts. Recent advancements have focused on innovative methods such as membrane bioreactors, synthetic biology, organosilane-based techniques, biofilm-mediated remediation, and nanomaterial-enabled strategies, with nano-enabled technologies demonstrating substantial potential to enhance MP removal efficiency. The review also discusses the formation of MPs, their distribution in aquatic ecosystems, and their adverse effects on aquatic organisms. It emphasizes the need for further research and innovation in effective MP removal methods to promote environmental and social well-being. The review also highlights the role of biofilms in MP degradation, the potential of synthetic biology and organosilane-based techniques, and the effectiveness of membrane bioreactors in removing MPs from wastewater. Additionally, it discusses the use of nanomaterials for MP remediation, including magnetite nanoparticles for the separation and removal of MPs. The review concludes that further research is needed to develop more efficient and sustainable methods for the removal of MPs from aquatic environments.This review critically examines the degradation mechanisms and removal strategies for microplastics (MPs) in aquatic ecosystems. MPs, ranging from 0.05 to 5 mm in size, are a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health due to their ingestion by marine organisms, which eventually enter the human food chain. The review highlights the importance of developing effective MP removal technologies to mitigate their ecological and health impacts. Strategies combining physical and chemical pretreatments with microbial degradation have shown promise in decomposing MPs. Microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and specific enzymes are being leveraged in MP remediation efforts. Recent advancements have focused on innovative methods such as membrane bioreactors, synthetic biology, organosilane-based techniques, biofilm-mediated remediation, and nanomaterial-enabled strategies, with nano-enabled technologies demonstrating substantial potential to enhance MP removal efficiency. The review also discusses the formation of MPs, their distribution in aquatic ecosystems, and their adverse effects on aquatic organisms. It emphasizes the need for further research and innovation in effective MP removal methods to promote environmental and social well-being. The review also highlights the role of biofilms in MP degradation, the potential of synthetic biology and organosilane-based techniques, and the effectiveness of membrane bioreactors in removing MPs from wastewater. Additionally, it discusses the use of nanomaterials for MP remediation, including magnetite nanoparticles for the separation and removal of MPs. The review concludes that further research is needed to develop more efficient and sustainable methods for the removal of MPs from aquatic environments.