There is evidence that earthworms fail to thrive in soil containing microplastics (but it is not quite clear why)[0]. That then has knock-on effects for soil health and farming.
[0]https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/sep/12/worms-fa...
[0]https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/sep/12/worms-fa...
So, a graduate student and half a dozen flower pots are the sum total of evidence driving this hysteria?