This study investigated the influence of microplastics on the degradation of organic pollutants by ferrate. Rhodamine B was used as a simulated pollutant and factors such as microplastic dosage ferrate dosage initial concentration of Rhodamine B pH natural organic matter and inorganic ions were studied to explore the impact of microplastics in the reaction process. Methods By altering the reaction conditions of the oxidation system the removal efficiency of Rhodamine B by ferrate was analyzed under different scenarios with the addition of microplastics without the addition of microplastics and with the presence of microplastics only. The role of microplastics in the oxidation system was investigated. Results Microplastics participated in the oxidative degradation of Rhodamine B by ferrate causing changes in the morphology of microplastics after the reaction. Initially smooth and devoid of any voids the microplastics became rough and exhibited a distinct honeycomb structure with adsorbed oxidized products of ferrate on their surface. Under different reaction conditions microplastics had a promoting effect on the oxidative degradation of Rhodamine B by ferrate not only through adsorption of Rhodamine B but also through other mechanisms that need to be explored. The effect of microplastics in the reaction system was greatly influenced by the concentration of the pollutant substrate. Conclusion The removal rate of rhodamine B in the reaction system with the presence of microplastics is higher than that in the reaction system without the presence of microplastics. This indicates that microplastics can enhance the oxidative degradation of Rhodamine B by ferrate and increase the removal rate of Rhodamine B. This study provides a preliminary exploration of the role and impact of microplastics in oxidative systems offering theoretical support for further research on the removal and treatment of microplastics in practical wastewater treatment.