Microplastics have attracted little commercial interest; academic institutions dominate both journal and patent publications. The occurrence of microfibers and the toxicity of microplastics or their contaminants are important interests in microplastic publications. Microplastics are likely harmful in the environment, the magnitude of hazard is not clear. Toxic substances and microplastics likely have cooperative toxic effects, but it isn't known whether transport of toxic substances by microplastics the cause is. Better analytical methods to detect and quantify the presence of smaller microplastic particles is necessary to assess both the prevalence and effects of microplastics and the effectiveness of removal technologies. Methods for microplastic removal are focused on membrane-based removal efforts during wastewater treatment, though they will likely need to be optimized to be compatible with current wastewater treatment methods and with the recovery of other resources from wastewater. Financial benefits do not currently exist for microplastic removal technologies, and while removal of microplastics may be an effective remedy in certain circumstances, prevention of their formation and occurrence is more likely to decrease microplastic prevalence in the environment. Macroplastic pollution will likely need to be reduced to reduce microplastic pollution, and reduction of both will almost certainly require government incentives, regulations, and actions. As noted above, eliminating microplastic pollution will require collaboration between businesses, scientists, governments, and the public.