Implications of plastic pollution on global carbon cycle

Abstract Plastic pollution represents a critical global issue. Massive plastic waste in the environment poses significant threats to ecosystems and human health while also negatively impacting carbon cycles through multiple pathways. In particular, the global carbon cycle is disrupted by the carbon budget imbalance, primarily due to the excessive production of fossil-based plastics in past years. Meanwhile, microplastics and nanoplastics resulting from the degradation and fragmentation of plastic waste in the environment also have significant implications for the carbon cycle within both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, the leaching of plastic additives from plastics not only contributes organic carbon to the environment but also poses significant adverse effects on the growth and development of various organisms. Therefore, developing innovative and comprehensive strategies to mitigate plastic pollution is imperative. This initiative should involve the development of effective policies and the application of advanced technologies, including strategies to close both the plastic loop and the carbon loop. Graphical Abstract