Current advances in interactions between microplastics and dissolved organic matters in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics represents an anthropogenic stressor on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Following a decade of study on the detection and potential impacts of microplastics, a knowledge gap remains on the interaction between microplastics and dissolved organic matter (DOM). After entering into the environment, microplastics may influence the DOM contents, characteristics, and constituents in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Microplastics show a high affinity for DOM, and the adsorption behaviors depend on microplastic properties and hydrological conditions. DOM may release from microplastics during mechanical, photochemical, and biological degradation, further influencing the overall responses of the ecosystem to microplastics. However, current literature remains far from a comprehensive understanding of the interactions and underlying mechanisms between microplastics and DOM. We further point out the limits of the current studies and outline future research directions for a better understanding of the microplastic-DOM interactions and the subsequent environmental influences.