Impact of microplastics on riverine greenhouse gas emissions: a view point

In recent decades, microplastics (MPs < 5 mm) are ubiquitous and considered a serious emerging environmental problem. However, due to the limited recovery and long-lasting durability MPs, debris is frequently accumulating in riverine ecosystems, thereby impacting microbial activity and its communities. The presence of MPs may alter the microbial richness, variety, and population, thereby impacting the transformation of biogeochemical cycles. The occurrence, fate, and transport of MPs in marine and terrestrial ecosystems and their impact on biogeochemical or nutrient cycling are reported in the scientific fraternity. Yet, the global scientific community is conspicuously devoid of research on impact of MPs on riverine greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The presented view point provides a novel idea about the fate of MPs in the riverine system and its impact on GHG emissions potential. Literature reveals that DO and nutrients (organic carbon, NH4+, NO3-) concentrations play an important role in potential of GHG emission in riverine ecosystems. The proposed mechanism and research gaps provided will be highly helpful to the hydrologist, environmentalist, biotechnologist, and policymakers to think about the strategic mitigation measure to resolve the future climatic risk.

Automated summary

Microplastics have become a prevalent and serious environmental problem in recent decades, impacting microbial activity and communities in riverine ecosystems as a result of their limited recovery and long-lasting durability. The presence of microplastics can alter microbial richness, variety, and population, thus affecting biogeochemical cycles. While the occurrence, fate, and transport of microplastics in marine and terrestrial ecosystems and their impact on biogeochemical or nutrient cycling have been studied, there is a lack of research on the impact of microplastics on riverine greenhouse gas emissions.