The Hidden Threat of Microplastics in Desert Environments: Environmental Impact, Challenges, and Response Measures

作者：Huiqi Li, Huanpeng Liu, Qizhuan Lin, Ting Chen, Renyi Peng · 发表于：Sustainability · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3390/su17051897 · 被引用次数：13 · 研究领域：Microplastics and Plastic Pollution、Recycling and Waste Management Techniques、biodegradable polymer synthesis and properties

Microplastic (MP) pollution has garnered widespread attention because of its negative effects, even in the most remote areas of Earth. However, research on MP deposition in deserts, which account for 45% of Earth’s total land area, remains limited. Desert environments, characterized by large temperature fluctuations, high ultraviolet radiation, and strong winds, accelerate the degradation, aging, wind erosion, deposition, and migration of microplastics (MPs). In desert regions, MPs originate primarily from human activities, such as tourism waste, agricultural mulch residues, and artificial water storage systems. Additionally, wind transport, water entrainment, atmospheric deposition, and the migration of wildlife further influence the abundance of MPs in these areas. As MP pollution in desert soils intensifies, it negatively affects local microbial activity, crop yields, the reproduction of rare wildlife, and climate. In response, mitigation strategies, such as biodegradation, organic alternatives, and wasteland transformation, have been proposed. However, challenges remain, including a lack of specific research data and limited economic incentives for environmental protection measures. Drawing on existing research, this paper provides a comprehensive summary of the main sources of MPs in desert areas; the influence of environmental factors on their fate; their detrimental effects on ecosystems (including microorganisms, animals, plants, and climate); and current response mea...