Microplastics and Carbon Cycling: Interactions Across Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems

ABSTRACT The widespread use of plastics has led to a significant increase in microplastic contamination across ecosystems. This review integrates current understanding of the origin, characteristics, and ecological consequences of microplastics, focusing on their effect on biogeochemical cycles, especially the carbon cycle. It aims to clarify the complex pathways and mechanisms by which microplastics disrupt the carbon cycle in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, with a primary focus on terrestrial environments. This review emphasizes the varied impacts of microplastics on the physical, chemical, and biological processes within ecosystems. Understanding these interactions is critical for developing efficient strategies to mitigate the environmental and climatic impacts of microplastics. By examining the intricate pathways and mechanisms through which microplastics influence the carbon cycle, this review provides a comprehensive assessment of their environmental consequences and emphasizes the necessity for standardized detection methods to accurately quantify microplastic pollution and evaluate its impacts. Moreover, this article points out the urgent need for further analysis of the long‐duration consequences of microplastics on ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, and ecosystem services. Addressing microplastic contamination is essential for preserving ecosystem stability and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources for future generations.