Microplastic pollution in groundwater has become a growing concern due to its potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. This systematic review summarizes global research on microplastics (MPs) in groundwater from 2017 to 2023. The study highlights the challenges in understanding MP pollution, including the lack of standardized sampling and analysis methods, and the variability in MP abundance, polymer types, and sizes across different regions. MPs are predominantly polypropylene and polyethylene, with higher concentrations observed in urban and industrial areas and landfill sites. The review emphasizes the need for standardized procedures for sampling and analysis to improve cross-comparisons and future research. It also identifies key research gaps, such as understanding the pathways of MP entry into groundwater, their fate and behavior within aquifers, and the ecological and health impacts of MPs. The study recommends future research directions, including the development of mitigation strategies to reduce MP pollution in groundwater, and the integration of socio-hydrological approaches to address the risks associated with MP contamination. Overall, the review underscores the importance of addressing microplastic pollution in groundwater to ensure sustainable water management and protect human health.Microplastic pollution in groundwater has become a growing concern due to its potential impacts on ecosystems and human health. This systematic review summarizes global research on microplastics (MPs) in groundwater from 2017 to 2023. The study highlights the challenges in understanding MP pollution, including the lack of standardized sampling and analysis methods, and the variability in MP abundance, polymer types, and sizes across different regions. MPs are predominantly polypropylene and polyethylene, with higher concentrations observed in urban and industrial areas and landfill sites. The review emphasizes the need for standardized procedures for sampling and analysis to improve cross-comparisons and future research. It also identifies key research gaps, such as understanding the pathways of MP entry into groundwater, their fate and behavior within aquifers, and the ecological and health impacts of MPs. The study recommends future research directions, including the development of mitigation strategies to reduce MP pollution in groundwater, and the integration of socio-hydrological approaches to address the risks associated with MP contamination. Overall, the review underscores the importance of addressing microplastic pollution in groundwater to ensure sustainable water management and protect human health.