Global transportation of plastics and microplastics: A critical review of pathways and influences

Abstract

The rapid development of modern society has largely increased the usage of plastic. Concerns arise when vast amount of plastic waste has been generated and disposed. The accumulated evidences suggest that plastic waste in all the natural matrixes has become a global contaminant, principles such as geological and biogeochemical cycles for plastic pollution have been proposed. Before a full estimation of plastic mass flow, however, the pathways, directions and influences involved in plastic transportation are warranted to be addressed. We made this critical review based on the quantitative and narrative approaches in plastic and microplastic sources, sinks and transportation at global and historical scales. We also addressed the roles of anthropogenic influences in the global transportation of microplastic. The hydrological, meteorological, oceanic and even biological progresses naturally influence the plastic cycle and flow directions within the Earth's Four Spheres. Anthropogenic activities participated in all sections of plastic transportation, from sources to sinks. The contribution from anthropogenic activities remains unknown but several point sources including primary emissions and landfills have been confirmed. The primary outcomes point out that plastic pollution is highly complex issues in terms of natural and human-driven dynamics. We suggested that more efforts were needed in seeking the key sections in plastic transportation between environmental compartments at a global scale.