Microplastics are a growing threat to freshwater environments, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. This systematic review highlights the sources, transport, impacts, identification, and treatment of microplastics in freshwater systems. Microplastics, defined as particles less than 5 mm in size, originate from various sources, including plastic waste, industrial activities, and urban runoff. They are persistent in the environment, can adsorb harmful substances, and accumulate in organisms, leading to long-term ecological and health impacts. Microplastics enter freshwater environments through sewage, atmospheric deposition, industrial effluent, and runoff. They are detected using methods such as visual identification, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM. The concentration of microplastics varies based on sampling methods and locations. The review emphasizes the need for standardized methods for sampling, analysis, and quantification to better understand microplastic pollution. Microplastics can be classified as primary (manufactured microscopically) or secondary (fragments of larger plastics). They are transported through water bodies, wastewater treatment plants, and atmospheric deposition. Microplastics can enter the food chain, affecting aquatic organisms and potentially humans. Their physical and chemical properties influence their behavior, toxicity, and distribution in freshwater systems. The review discusses the impacts of microplastics on aquatic organisms, including physical damage, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. They can alter the behavior of organisms and disrupt ecosystems. Microplastics also act as vectors for other pollutants, increasing their environmental risks. The study highlights the need for effective mitigation strategies, including improved waste management, reduction of single-use plastics, and the development of innovative technologies for microplastic removal. Recommendations include reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing public awareness. International cooperation and research are essential for addressing microplastic pollution. The review underscores the importance of developing standardized methods and policies to mitigate the impact of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems and human health.Microplastics are a growing threat to freshwater environments, posing significant risks to ecosystems and human health. This systematic review highlights the sources, transport, impacts, identification, and treatment of microplastics in freshwater systems. Microplastics, defined as particles less than 5 mm in size, originate from various sources, including plastic waste, industrial activities, and urban runoff. They are persistent in the environment, can adsorb harmful substances, and accumulate in organisms, leading to long-term ecological and health impacts. Microplastics enter freshwater environments through sewage, atmospheric deposition, industrial effluent, and runoff. They are detected using methods such as visual identification, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR, and SEM. The concentration of microplastics varies based on sampling methods and locations. The review emphasizes the need for standardized methods for sampling, analysis, and quantification to better understand microplastic pollution. Microplastics can be classified as primary (manufactured microscopically) or secondary (fragments of larger plastics). They are transported through water bodies, wastewater treatment plants, and atmospheric deposition. Microplastics can enter the food chain, affecting aquatic organisms and potentially humans. Their physical and chemical properties influence their behavior, toxicity, and distribution in freshwater systems. The review discusses the impacts of microplastics on aquatic organisms, including physical damage, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. They can alter the behavior of organisms and disrupt ecosystems. Microplastics also act as vectors for other pollutants, increasing their environmental risks. The study highlights the need for effective mitigation strategies, including improved waste management, reduction of single-use plastics, and the development of innovative technologies for microplastic removal. Recommendations include reducing single-use plastics, improving waste management, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing public awareness. International cooperation and research are essential for addressing microplastic pollution. The review underscores the importance of developing standardized methods and policies to mitigate the impact of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems and human health.