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Microplastic-Derived Dissolved Organic Matter: Release Pattern, Chemical Properties, Environmental Risk, and Impact on Carbon Cycling
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This review examines microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (MPs-DOM), which plastic debris releases at an estimated 23,600 tons annually into surface waters, covering its chemical properties, release patterns, and interactions with metals, microorganisms, and the carbon cycle. MPs-DOM represents a largely overlooked secondary pollution pathway through which microplastics extend their environmental impact well beyond the particles themselves.
Global plastic production exceeded 400.3 billion tons from 1950 to 2022, with only 10% being recycled. The widespread distribution of plastics was fragmented into microplastics (MPs) through natural processes such as biodegradation, mechanical abrasion, and photodegradation. These processes also released microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter (MPs-DOM). It was estimated that plastic debris releases 23,600 tons of MPs-DOM annually, accounting for about 10% of the DOM in the surface waters of the ocean. Given that DOM possessed abundant reactive functional groups and extensively participated in nutrient cycling and energy flow in the environment, it was essential to review the release characteristics, chemical properties, and environmental impacts of MPs-DOM. This review summarized the key factors influencing the production of MPs-DOM, including the physical properties of microplastics (e.g., shape, size), chemical composition (e.g., polymer type, additive), and environmental conditions (e.g., light, temperature, pH). Additionally, this review explored the differences in chemical characteristics between MPs-DOM and natural dissolved organic matter. Moreover, this review discussed the interactions between MPs-DOM and metals, as well as its effects on microorganisms, plants, animals, and the carbon cycle. It provided a theoretical basis for the environmental risk assessment and management of MPs-DOM, emphasizing the need to integrate complex environmental media to comprehensively reveal the ecological risks of MPs-DOM.
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