Microplastics as an emerging threat to terrestrial ecosystems

• DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14020
• Publication Date: 2017-12-16T21:49:50Z
• Authors: Anderson Abel de ...; Werner Kloas; Christiane Zarfl; Stefan Hempel; Matthias C. Rillig
• Keywords: Terrestrial ecosystem; Biota; Terrestrial plant; Sentinel species; Marine ecosystem

Abstract Microplastics (plastics <5 mm, including nanoplastics which are <0.1 μm) originate from the fragmentation of large plastic litter or direct environmental emission. Their potential impacts in terrestrial ecosystems remain largely unexplored despite numerous reported effects on marine organisms. Most plastics arriving oceans were produced, used, and often disposed land. Hence, it is within systems that microplastics might first interact with biota eliciting ecologically relevant impacts. This article introduces pervasive microplastic contamination as a agent global change systems, highlights physical chemical nature respective observed effects, discusses broad toxicity derived breakdown. Making links to fate aquatic continental we here present new insights into mechanisms geochemistry, biophysical environment, ecotoxicology. Broad changes environments possible even particle‐rich habitats such soils. Furthermore, there growing body evidence indicating organisms mediate essential ecosystem services functions, soil dwelling invertebrates, fungi, plant‐pollinators. Therefore, research needed clarify microplastics. We suggest due widespread presence, persistence, various interactions biota, pollution represent an emerging threat ecosystems.