Plastic particles smaller than 5 mm or microplastics, have become major contaminants in freshwater and marine environments. The direct release of microbeads from consumer goods and the breakdown of bigger polymers are the main causes of their ubiquity. These particles, which come from direct sources including industrial products and the decomposition of larger plastic waste, are common in aquatic ecosystems. Aquatic life is seriously threatened by MPs due to their chemical toxicity, physical entanglement, and ingestion. They facilitate the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of dangerous contaminants across food webs by acting as their vectors. While benthic and pelagic creatures suffer in freshwater habitats, marine species such as plagic fish, crabs, prawns and juvenile fishes are especially at risk. Aquatic creatures at different trophic levels are harmed physically, chemically, and biologically by these particles. In addition to leaching hazardous chemicals and adsorbing and transporting hydrophobic contaminants, MPs can physically obstruct aquatic species digestive tracts and increase chemical exposure in food webs. Aquatic organism’s health is impacted by microplastic ingestion, but there are also worries about trophic transfer and possible human exposure from eating seafood. This review highlights research gaps and the pressing need for mitigation methods by synthesizing current knowledge on the sources, distribution, and ecological impacts of MPs in aquatic ecosystems. It is essential to comprehend these effects in order to create policies that will lessen plastic pollution and protect aquatic biodiversity.