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‘Biological carbon pumping’ is a natural process by which the ocean transfers carbon from the atmosphere into deep ocean layers.
“Microplastics (MPs) interfere with this process by reducing phytoplankton photosynthesis and impairing zooplankton metabolism,” said the authors, including those from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.
“The oceans are Earth’s largest carbon sink. Microplastics are weakening this natural shield against climate change. Tackling plastic pollution is now part of the fight against global warming,” said author Ihsanullah Obaidullah, associate professor of integrated water processing technologies.
The research published in the journal Hazardous Materials: Plastics reviewed 89 studies published from 2010 to 2025. The material analyzed included peer-reviewed articles and reports from international organizations to understand the impacts of microplastics on marine health and climate change.
“(The review) highlights the close relationship between MP (microplastic) pollution and climate change, suggesting that MPs may contribute significantly to climate change and potentially impact ocean health in the form of ocean warming and ocean acidification,” the authors wrote.
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Microplastics are pieces of plastic less than five millimeters in size. Studies have provided evidence of the presence of microplastics in various environments, from deep sea water to the human body.
The researchers said that more than 8.3 billion tons of plastic has been produced globally to date, of which 80% ends up in landfills or the environment – with only nine percent of the vast amount recycled.
The toxins present in microplastics are ingested by living beings, including humans, causing a variety of diseases, disrupting ecosystems, harming aquatic life and reducing soil fertility, the researchers said.
He said the team called for an integrated approach as microplastic pollution and climate change cannot be addressed in isolation.
He said coordinated efforts are needed to develop governance frameworks that tackle microplastic pollution and their links to climate change, particularly ocean acidification and warming.
Recommendations the researchers suggest to preserve the oceans and their ability to absorb carbon dioxide include reducing single-use plastics and improving waste management.