Climate change exacerbates microplastic pollution: Environmental behavior and human health risks

Abstract

The convergence of climate change and microplastic pollution poses a dual environmental threat with significant impacts on ecosystems and human health. Climate change accelerates microplastic distribution through mechanisms like altered ocean currents, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events, increasing microplastic concentrations in previously unaffected regions and the atmosphere. Warming contributes to microplastics released from melting glaciers into oceans and affects soil microplastic distribution under drought conditions. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, further disperse microplastics, complicating their environmental impact. The contamination of food and water sources with microplastics during climate-driven events, such as flooding, raises serious concerns about water security and food safety. Additionally, interactions between microplastics and other emerging pollutants heighten environmental and health risks. This study highlights the urgent need for risk assessment frameworks that incorporate climate factors and for strategic management approaches to address the compounded impact of climate change and microplastic pollution. By recommending enhanced water treatment, soil management, systematic monitoring, and toxicological assessments, the research advocates for integrated global responses to mitigate these interconnected challenges for ecosystem and public health protection.