Microplastics as an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Ecotoxicology
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Microplastics (<5 mm) originate from plastic fragmentation or direct emission, with terrestrial sources being significant.
• While marine impacts are documented, terrestrial ecosystem effects of microplastics remain largely unexplored.
• Terrestrial systems are crucial entry points for microplastics into the environment, potentially impacting biota and ecosystem functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce microplastic contamination as a potential global change agent in terrestrial systems.
• To highlight the physical, chemical, and toxicological effects of microplastics and nanoplastics.
• To present new insights into the mechanisms of microplastic impacts on terrestrial geochemistry, biophysical environment, and ecotoxicology.

Main Methods:

• Review and synthesis of existing literature on microplastic impacts in terrestrial environments.
• Analysis of physical and chemical properties of microplastics and their ecotoxicological effects.
• Exploration of microplastic interactions with soil components and terrestrial organisms.

Main Results:

• Microplastic contamination poses a pervasive threat to terrestrial ecosystems, including soils.
• Observed effects include changes in terrestrial geochemistry and the biophysical environment.
• Nanoplastics exhibit broad toxicity, and microplastics interact with key terrestrial organisms like invertebrates, fungi, and pollinators.

Conclusions:

• Microplastic pollution is an emerging global change threat to terrestrial ecosystems.
• Widespread presence, environmental persistence, and interactions with biota necessitate further research.
• Understanding the terrestrial fate and effects of microplastics is critical for environmental management.