<p>Leachate from landfills is an important environmental reservoir of microplastics (MPs). This study integrated research results from both domestic and international sources to clarify the sources, occurrence characteristics, detection methods, and removal strategies of MPs in leachate, and discussed the complex pollutants on the surface of MPs. The research results show that 30% hydrogen peroxide has the best digestion effect in the pretreatment process of MPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is the preferred characterization method for MPs due to its cost-effectiveness and high efficiency; in addition, emerging technologies such as laser direct infrared spectroscopy can rapidly quantify MPs smaller than 20 micrometers. The removal of MPs is mainly achieved through physical separation processes, particularly membrane filtration. MPs have a large specific surface area, which can accumulate antibiotic-resistant bacteria and subsequently form biofilms. Aging further enhances surface roughness, increases the number of oxygen-containing functional groups, and enhances the carrier capacity of MPs for various environmental pollutants. Biofilms can promote the spread of pollutants through selective enrichment. Current research efforts face several limitations, including the lack of standardized detection methods, the scarcity of long-term monitoring studies, and the focus on single pollutants. It is necessary to establish standardized analytical methods, conduct in-depth research on the combined effects of multiple pollutants, and explore innovative strategies to utilize the unique properties of MPs to target the removal of environmental pollutants, such as through the engineering modification of biofilm microorganisms to turn waste into wealth in future.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>