<p>Most current research focuses on the distribution and ecological effects of microplastics (MPs). However, accurate and efficient sampling, isolation, and detection of MPs from various environmental media (aquatic, soil, and atmospheric) are crucial for understanding their sources, distribution, and ecological biotoxicity effects. This paper reviews the background of microplastics, examining their types, sources, prevalence, and harmful effects on ecosystems and organisms. Distinguishing itself from existing studies, this paper systematically compares and evaluates methods for collecting, separating, detecting, and removing microplastics in different environmental media, emphasizing the advantages, limitations, and specific applicability of these methods, the paper also examines differences in MPs processing steps across various environmental media and explores recent advances in MPs collection, separation, and identification in these environments. Finally, it summarizes widely used MPs removal methods, discussing their pros and cons and the selection for different environmental contexts. Based on current research, this paper provides an outlook on future MPs studies to address global MPs pollution and safeguard ecosystem health and sustainability in line with green and low-carbon remediation policies.</p>