Researchers Examine Factors Driving Microplastics in Ecosystems

A review study conducted by researchers, including Feifei Feng and Wenqi Ye from the Chongqing Institute of Green and Intelligent Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, investigates the factors influencing the migration and distribution of microplastics in various environments. Published in the journal Frontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering in 2025, the study sheds light on the pervasive issue of microplastics—defined as pollutants with diameters less than 5 mm—that are increasingly found in aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric systems.

Microplastics pose significant threats to both ecosystems and human health. Their impact arises from mechanisms such as bioaccumulation, composite pollution, and cross-media migration. Despite their widespread presence, the complex interactions governing the movement and fate of microplastics remain inadequately understood. The primary objective of this review was to synthesize existing knowledge about the interplay of various factors affecting microplastic behavior in the environment.

Key Drivers of Microplastic Behavior

The researchers systematically identified and summarized critical factors that drive the behavior of microplastics. These factors can be categorized into three main groups: intrinsic properties of microplastics, environmental factors, and biological influences.

Intrinsic properties include characteristics such as size, shape, and aging state, which can significantly affect how microplastics behave in different environments. Environmental factors encompass a variety of elements: physical factors like hydrological parameters, soil texture, meteorological conditions, light, and temperature; chemical factors including pH levels, inorganic ions, and organic matter; and biological factors such as the presence of microorganisms and root organisms. The interconnectedness of these factors plays a crucial role in determining the transport pathways for microplastics, identifying retention hotspots, and predicting long-term ecological impacts.

Proposed Regulatory Strategies

The review not only highlights the factors influencing microplastic distribution but also proposes a unified framework for understanding their environmental interactions. Alongside this framework, the researchers recommend several regulatory strategies aimed at mitigating the impact of microplastics. These include source control measures, such as banning primary microplastics and developing biodegradable alternatives, as well as process interruption techniques like employing constructed wetlands, biochar, and plant shelterbelts.

This comprehensive approach aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by microplastics in our ecosystems. By understanding the complex dynamics at play, policymakers and researchers can better formulate strategies to combat this growing environmental concern. For further details, the full study is accessible at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-025-2062-z.