Microplastics, a ubiquitous contaminant across all ecosystems, is unique due to its complexity. Microplastics are a diverse suite of particles sizes, shapes and chemistries. Their fate and effects are unique from other chemical pollutants. To help researchers and managers around the world better understand this emerging contaminant, methods are evolving rapidly. This talk will provide a general overview of microplastics, critical research gaps, and the relevant methodological considerations.