Abstract: Due to their wide distribution and huge potential risks to the environment, microplastics as emerging pollutants have aroused great public concern. This research evaluates the potential environmental risks and mechanisms of microplastics. The distribution patterns of microplastics in China and the main influencing factors in the wastewater treatment plants, soil, surface water and ocean in China are also identified. The results indicate that microplastics could exhibit ecological risks via various physical, chemical routes or serving as pollutants-carrier. Besides, microplastics could transfer via food chain and pose potential threats to humans. Microplastics widely distribute in wastewater treatment systems, soils and different aquatic environments (rivers, lakes, oceans, drinking water, etc). The pollution level is even more severe in China compared to that in foreign countries, which may be related to China's large population density. Moreover, microplastic pollution is found to exhibit obvious regional difference. The distribution patterns of microplastics in China are highly correlated with anthropogenic activities and the economical and industrial development in different regions. Besides, the treatment processes of wastewater treatment systems and the environmental capacity would also affect the pollution level of microplastics in the environment. However, the current investigation of microplastic pollution in China is still in its infancy. In order to better understand the microplastic pollution, the potential ecological risks and the efficient controlling strategy to avoid their environmental pollution in China, more researches should focus on the biological toxicity effects, distribution patterns, and the migration and transport behaviors.