The Impact of Plastic on the Ecological Environment: The Pathway of Microplastics and the Control of Microplastic Pollution

Microplastics are emerging as a critical global pollution issue, increasingly detected in ecosystems spanning soil, water, and air. This study examines the sources, pathways of microplastics on the environment, and systematize the policies and regulations related to microplastics pollution control. The results show that microplastics are present in various environments with high concentrations, particularly in agricultural soil (1,430–3,410 n/kg), groundwater (0.1–97 n/L), and coastal seawater (3–8 n/L). In aquatic systems, urban surface runoff exhibits the highest microplastic concentrations (3–129 n/L). Among terrestrial ecosystems, agricultural soils show the highest concentrations of microplastic compared to sediments and mangrove forests, with levels ranging from 1,430 to 3,410 n/kg. Despite policy efforts by nations and international bodies, existing measures remain insufficient to curb microplastic proliferation. Treaties and policies such as the MARPOL Convention, the Basel Convention, the UNEA Resolution on plastic pollution, along with regional initiatives like the ASEAN Action Plan on Marine Litter, are playing a significant role in reducing global plastic pollution. However, there are still gaps in policy, particularly the absence of clear environmental safety thresholds for MPs including the lack of specific regulations on safe MPs thresholds for the environment, as well as differences in the enforcement of regulations between countries. The results may assist policymakers and environmental managers in developing effective microplastics control strategies, aiming to protect the environment and ecosystems.