Emerging challenges of microplastic impacts to ecological health and climate change

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) pose a serious environmental hazard, contributing to pollution and potentially impacting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change trends. This study addresses this critical gap by conducting a comprehensive review of existing literature to consolidate current knowledge on the ecological and climatic challenges posed by MPs. Through this review, we find that MPs alter microbial processes, disrupt biogeochemical cycles, and promote GHG release through degradation and ecosystem interactions. The review highlights that MPs not only impact biodiversity and ecosystem health, but also exacerbate climate change by influencing carbon cycling, photosynthetic dynamics in phytoplankton, and atmospheric processes. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the mechanisms linking MPs to GHG emissions and long-term ecosystem impacts. Our findings emphasize the urgent need for systematic research, standardized methodologies, and integrated policy strategies to mitigate the dual threats of plastic pollution and climate change.