Microplastics in Terrestrial Ecosystems

Globally, the generation of plastics has increased dramatically since 1950 due to population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, making our environment a menace of plastic pollution. Despite the exponential growth of microplastics (MPs), the adoption of effective MP remediation technologies and strategies remains constrained. As a result, a massive number of plastics are converted into a plethora of MPs. These various types of MPs have already been ubiquitously dispersed in our environmental compartments, making our environment a sacred place for these emerging pollutants. Consequently, MPs in terrestrial ecosystems have been widely reported in recent years due to their potential hazards to ecosystems, crops, and human health. Moreover, this diverse assortment of MPs served as a multidimensional reservoir of other emerging contaminants, including heavy metals, antibiotics, and persistent organic pollutants, which pose significant ecological hazards. Although various types of MPs with horrible levels have been found in terrestrial ecosystems, comprehensive knowledge regarding the source, fate, transport, effects, and remediation techniques of MPs in terrestrial ecosystems is still limited in developing nations. In these circumstances, conducting a comprehensive study on the source, fate, transport, effects, and mitigation of MP pollution is crucial. Hence, this chapter aims to add increasing knowledge regarding the source, fate, transport, effects, and remediation techniques of MP pollution in terrestrial ecosystems.