Microplastic pollution causes significant damage to populations of soil-dwelling mites, larvae and other tiny creatures that maintain the fertility of the land, research has found. ... After leaving the plastic to seep into the soil for 287 days, the researcher collected five samples and counted the species found inside.

How does plastic pollute the land?

The researchers point out that much more plastic finishes up on land than at sea, four to 23 times as much. ... Chlorinated plastic can release harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil, which can then seep into groundwater or other surrounding water sources, and also the ecosystem.

Does plastic pollute the environment?

Pollution by plastics additives

Plastic also pollutes without being littered—specifically, through the release of compounds used in its manufacture. Indeed, pollution of the environment by chemicals leached from plastics into air and water is an emerging area of concern.