Microplastics as Emerging Vectors of Climate Change: A Critical Review of Impacts, Interactions, and Research Gaps
Keywords:
microplastic, climate change, impact, interactions, vehicle, gapAbstract
This critical review synthesizes current knowledge on the emerging role of microplastics as vehicles for pollutants and pathogens, particularly within the context of a changing climate. Climate change exacerbates the environmental impacts of microplastics by intensifying their interactions with biological systems. Biofilms colonizing microplastic surfaces facilitate the co-adsorption of pathogens and pollutants, creating localized hotspots of contamination with significant implications for aquatic organisms and potentially human health. The presence of heavy metals and organic pollutants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), can exert selective pressures on microbial communities within these biofilms, leading to the enrichment of virulent or metal-resistant strains. Moreover, pollutants can provide a protective environment for pathogens, enhancing their survival and persistence in ecosystems already stressed by climate change. This review highlights critical research gaps, including the long-term effects of microplastic-associated pollutants on biota and the mechanisms by which climate change influences these complex interactions. Addressing these knowledge gaps is crucial for developing effective management strategies to mitigate the risks posed by microplastics and safeguard both environmental and human health in a changing climate.
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