Top Research Papers on Microplastics

In the past decades, the use of plastic, particularly single-use plastics, has greatly increased. Guyana is among the developing countries struggling to deal with this new wave of plastic consumption, resulting in indiscriminate dumping and extensive pollution of the environment. This study was designed to determine the abundance and distribution of microplastics and macroplastics at the Greenfield mangrove site, East Coast Demerara, Guyana.

Microplastic pollution, an emerging pollution issue, has become a significant environmental concern globally due to its ubiquitous, persistent, complex, toxic, and ever-increasing nature. As a multifaceted and diverse suite of small plastic particles with different physicochemical properties and associated matters such as absorbed chemicals and microbes, future research on microplastics will need to comprehensively consider their multidimensional attributes. Here, we introduce a novel, conceptual framework of the “microplastome”, defined as the entirety of various plastic particles (<5 mm), an...

Microplastics are ubiquitous tiny plastic particles (< 5 mm) nonbiodegradable and have large surface area in the environment or the body of living things from anthropogenic activities or fragmentation of plastic debris. Though found in sea food and human body, their health implications are still speculative. A major reason for dearth of information on this topical issue is the lack of standard methods for analyzing microplastics in more complex environmental matrices. In the present review some methodologies for analyzing microplastics reported in the period 2000 to 2018 have been documented w...

Within the framework of the monthly monitoring the study of qualitative and quantitative composition and distribution of microand small macroplastic on sandy and pebbly beaches of Sevastopol is initiated. Microplastics and small macroplastic abundance was estimated from surveys on two of the most popular Sevastopol sandy beaches of the Crimea Black Sea Coast (Omega beach and Uchkuyevka beach). The samples were collected during March April 2016 from the top 5 cm of the numerous square areas (1×1 m) placed on 20 m long transects perpendicularly 100-meter lines along the shore line. Three type of...

Plastic debris presents a serious hazard to marine ecosystems worldwide. In this study, we developed a method to evaluate high-resolution maps of plastic emissions from the land into the sea offshore of Japan without using mismanaged plastic waste. Plastics were divided into microplastics (MicPs) and macroplastics (MacPs), and correlations between the observed MicP concentrations in rivers and basin characteristics, such as the urban area ratio and population density, were used to evaluate nationwide MicP concentration maps. A simple water balance analysis was used to calculate the annual outf...

This research agenda for microplastics has been produced as part of the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency’s roadmap for the sustainable use of plastics. It begins by describing the knowledge needs at an overarching level

Microplastics are plastics with smaller than 5mm particle size and they originate from sequential degradation of larger plastic molecules or are manufactured, and they have found use in many realms of life. Their gradual degradability and ingestion by aquatic organisms have become an environmental concern. Microplastics are regarded as a “tiny problem” requiring massive attention. Occurrences of microplastics have been detected in almost all environment matrices. Although several committees have taken steps towards handling the menace, most of the regulations' guidelines refer to “all wastes” ...

The composition, abundance and distribution of macroplastics (MAPs) and microplastics (MPs) in the Vinces and Los Tintos rivers were determined in three sites (Pueblo Nuevo, Santa Marianita, Los Tintos) from the low basin in the coastal province of Guayas, Ecuador. MAPS were recorded by visual census, covering a total distance of 140 m, and MPs were extracted in the intertidal sediments via density separation using a saturated NaCl solution, and these were counted using a stereomicroscope. A total of 940 plastic items were identified. The predominant debris was plastic with 85.2%, followed by ...

The presence of microplastics in environmental compartments is generally recognized as a (potential) health risk. Many papers have been published on the abundance of microplastics at various locations around the globe, but only limited knowledge is available on possible mitigation routes. One of the mitigation routes is based on the choice of plastic materials used for products that may unintentionally end up in the environment. As a first approach, this paper presents a method to calculate the tendency of polymers to form microplastics, based on their mechanical and physical properties. A Mic...

This research examines the effects of microplastics and macroplastics on aquatic organisms and ecosystems in both freshwater and marine environments. The issue of plastic pollution has emerged as a significant global environmental challenge, as evidenced by the escalating presence of microplastics (particles smaller than 5 millimeters) and macroplastics (larger plastic waste) in aquatic ecosystems. The presence of these plastics can result in adverse consequences for various forms of aquatic organisms, ranging from minuscule plankton to sizable marine mammals, hence causing disturbances to the...

Evidence is accumulating that feeding bottles and medical devices can contribute to MP exposure in newborns and infants and there is evidence to support the hypothesis that MPs and their additives are potential obesogens.

Microplastics and macroplastics have been reported in different urban rivers and agricultural soil across the globe. However, the interlink between them has not been previously assessed therefore, the present study evaluated the relationship between macro-and microplastics in the water columns and sediments in riverine, riverbanks, and soils from irrigated farms in Arusha, Tanzania. Detached pieces from macroplastics and suspected particles of microplastics from the samples were analyzed using the total attenuated reflectance - Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, where statistical analy...

28 Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles of ≤5 mm with a ubiquitous presence in 29 aquatic ecosystems. MPs harm marine life and can cause severe health 30 problems for humans. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) that involve the 31 in-situ generation of highly oxidant hydroxyl radicals can be an alternative to 32 fight MPs pollution. Of all the AOPs, photocatalysis has been proven a clean 33 technology to overcome microplastic pollution. In this work, we propose novel 34 C,N-TiO 2 /SiO 2 photocatalysts with proper visible-active properties to degrade 35 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) MPs...

Several locations representing recreational area, tourist spots and fish landing grounds were selected in the northern coastal region of Peninsular Malaysia for L-Microplastic (L-MP) data collection. Marine litter samples were collected during HWS and LWN tidal regime. Quadrats of 50 cm x 50 cm were used to collect sediment from surface to 5 cm depth for microplastic analyses. A comparison between macroplastic and L-MP showed a significant relationship with R2 =0.9579 where linear regression computed resulted in y = 26.388x + 0.051, where y: microplastic (kg/m3) while x: macroplastic (kg/m3) f...

This document summarizes current capabilities, research and operational priorities, and plans for further studies that were established at the 2015 USGS workshop on quantitative hazard assessments of earthquake-triggered landsliding and liquefaction in the Central American region.

The project consisted of a market study, in order to know the attitudes of the inhabitants of Vila Nova de Famalicao (VNF) towards the use of plastic and to measure the knowledge of the population of VNF about microplastics. Students of various grades that were interested in the theme carried out the project. The main goal was to change mentalities and consequent practices. It was  concluded that, although the inhabitants of VNF know what microplastics are and what is at their origin, they do not reveal much concern in changing their daily practices because practical solutions are still not im...

Abstract. Microplastic and microglass particles from different sources enter aquatic and terrestrial environments. The complexity of their environmental impact is difficult to capture, and the consequences for ecosystem components, for example, the soil microorganisms, are virtually unknown. To address this issue, we performed an incubation experiment by adding 1 % of five different types of impurities (≤100 µm) to an agriculturally used soil (Chernozem) and simulating a worst-case scenario of contamination. The impurities were made of polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polys...

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic debris less than 5 mm in diameter. They have accumulated in the environment as a consequence of: the direct release of small particles, such as those used in cosmetics; or as a consequence of wear, for example fibres released from textiles. The main source of microplastic is considered to be the fragmentation of larger items of plastics in the environment. Microplastics are widely distributed in freshwater and marine environments including remote locations such as the arctic and deep sea. A wide range of organisms are known to ingest microplastics and ...

Plastic plays a vital role in today's world but has become increasingly problematic. Plastics and Microplastics: A Reference Handbook discusses the history and evolution of plastic and its many uses, both in the United States and around the world. Beginning with a history of plastic—from the first scientific discovery of the material to its diversity of forms and uses in the present day—Plastics and Microplastics: A Reference Handbook discusses the history and evolution of plastic and its many uses, both in the United States and around the world. Importantly, it delves into the problems and c...

It is important to enhance the understanding of microplastics to minimise the potential risks of ingestion and to enhance the understanding of microplastics to minimise the potential risks.

It is suggested that the degradation of plastic debris proceeds relatively quickly in salt marshes and that surface delamination is the primary mechanism by which microplastic particles are produced in the early stages of degradation.

Microplastics are likely the most numerically abundant items of plastic debris in the ocean today, and quantities will inevitably increase, in part because large, single plastic items ultimately degrade into millions of microplastic pieces.

Microplastics and their distribution in the ocean Microplastics are generally defined as any plastic item less than 5 mm in length, when measured along its longest dimension1. Some microplastics are directly manufactured and are referred to as “primary microplastics” (e.g. many cosmetic products include microplastic “beads”). Other microplastics result from larger plastic items fracturing and degrading into smaller pieces, and are referred to as “secondary microplastics”1. Microplastics including microfibers are ubiquitous in the environment, found in soil, freshwater, air and the ocean2,3.

Abstract Thick coatings (5 -15um) of a new dual image, aqueous developable photoresist can be exposed using a light attenuating photomask consisting of clear, opaque and grey areas and then processed to yield thermally stable 3dimensional structures which are potentially useful as mechanical and optical components of devices. In the positive mode, relief and intaglio images are produced by processing similar to positive novolak based resists with 12um resolution and with the added feature that the images can be made thermally stable to temperatures >300° C. Negative mode processing of coated w...

Abstract

Microplastics have emerged as a highprole contaminant issue due to their widespread occurrence in aquatic environments. Environmental conservation agencies are gaining a better understanding of the issue and are beginning to implement strategies to reduce microplastic contamination. As a scientist with the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change in Toronto, Canada tasked with improving our knowledge of the microplastics issue with respect to their sources into and impacts upon the Laurentian Great Lakes, I've had the opportunity to interact with policy staff, environmental comp...

ABSTRACT:Lagoons are known to act as a source and a sink of microplastics in the environment. The extent of their occurrence is, however, still largely unknown. This study reports available scientific evidence on the occurrence and abundance of microplastic in lagoon ecosystems, globally. This study identified knowledge gaps as well as recommendations to overcome barriers for an effective emerging pollution management. Microplastics of various shapes, polymer types, colours and sizes have been recorded in water, sediments and biota in different lagoon environments. Sampling processing methods ...

The effect of microplastics on the water activity of bulk water and ammonium sulfate solutions is investigated and a variety of plastic compositions and microplastic morphologies including plastics that have been aged by UV irradiation and mechanical forces in the lab are compared.

Plastic in Indonesia are used as wrappers on household scale to large industrial products. To reach low-income consumers the company releases cheap plastic products and daily necessities in smaller plastic wrap which causes high use of plastics even in rural areas and causes macro to micro-sized plastics pollution. This study used a systematic literature review method. Google Scholar and Science Direct databases are used in this literature study. The inclusion criteria in selecting articles to be reviewed contain the keywords "microplastic", "microplastic abundance" and "urban areas". Based on...

Microplastics are extremely complex, and as the food chain comes full circle, it is dreaded that these could have a deleterious influence on humans. Although the risk of plastics to humans is not yet established, their occurrence in food and water destined for human consumption has been reported. The prevalence of micro-sized plastics in the ecosystem and living organisms, their trophic transfer along the food web, and the discernment of food species as competent indicators have become research priorities. The scale of the issue is massive, but what are the main culprits and causes, and could ...

Marine litter along the coastal area has long been a threat to the ecosystem and one of the crucial issues repeatedly in debates. Since the study of marine litter is at its infant stage in Malaysia, this research took the initiative to focus on coastal pollution with the objective to ascertain the amount of different categories of macro marine litter, to determine the amount of microplastic in the sediment layer, and to determine the possible correlation between macroplastic abundance and microplastic amount in the sediment layer. The study area is the coastal region of Kuala Perlis, Malaysia....

Greenhouse plastic contaminations in agricultural soils were studied to quantify and examine the macroplastic and microplastic contaminants on the soil surface, soil profile, and groundwater under greenhouse farmland. Random sampling was used to select three areas in a greenhouse farm where macroplastic and microplastic data were collected. Four composite samples were collected from shallow (0–20 cm) and deep (20–40 cm) soils for each sampling point, respectively. Three soil profiles were dug, and samples were collected at intervals of 20 cm. Groundwater samples were also collected from the sa...

The occurrence and toxicity of microplastics in aquatic systems is a hot topic in the environmental science community and beyond. Microplastics can have direct toxic effects to aquatic organisms because of their physical properties but also because they act as carrier for a number of toxic substances (BPA, heavy metals, hormone like substances etc.). However, there are no studies about the occurrence and environmental consequences of microplastics in soils. One reason for this lack of information might be analytical complications in soils compared to aquatic systems. We developed a method whic...

Fibres showed a 28 tendency to be transported closer to the water surface while experiencing slower mean forward velocities 29 compared to spheres. The microplastic particles exhibited rolling/sliding, saltation and suspension as 30 transport modes, comparable to natural sediment. The results show a strong correlation between the 31 transport stage and the percentage of time in which microplastics experienced a certain mode of 32 transport. Based on the laboratory results, a new phase diagram for microplastics is introduced, 33 analogous to an existing diagram for sediments.

Microplastics (MPs), measuring less than 5 mm, have been causing environmental concerns in aquatic ecosystems, and less work has been done in indoor environments, where humans spend most of their lives. This finding revealed a diverse range of MPs within indoor house dust samples. These MPs encompassed fibres, fragments, foams, pellets and films. Due to the ubiquity of textile-based items, fibres are the most common indoor MP. The MPs have different colours like black, red, blue, yellow, white and brown. The study revealed there were substantial differences in MP sizes across different househo...

The Microplastic Index (MPI) was presented in a previous paper as a method to assess the formation of microplastics during the application of impact and wear stresses, based on selected mechanical and physical properties of polymers. In this paper, the experimental validation of the MPI model is presented. A series of ten polymers was characterized to obtain the relevant parameters for the calculation of the MPI, i.e., the minimum particle size and volume of microplastics formed. The milling (addressing impact stress) and sanding experiments (addressing wear stress) resulted in particle sizes ...

<p>Microplastics have potentially deleterious effects on environments and ecosystems. &#160;The main research focus for translocation of microplastics has been via water, however recent studies of soils in the Alps and Middle East indicate airborne transport following wind erosion may also be significant. &#160;This paper reports wind tunnel studies to determine the extent to which two types of low density microplastic (microbeads and fibres) may be preferentially transported from different substrates &#8211; a well-sorted quartz sand and a poorly-sorted soil containing 13% organics. &#160;T...

Microplastic, which is of size less than 5 mm, is gaining a lot of attention as it has become a new arising contaminant because of its ecophysiology impact on the aquatic environment. These microplastics are found in freshwater or drinking water and are the major carriers of pollutants. Removal of this microplastic can be done through the primary treatment process, secondary treatment process, and tertiary treatment process. One approach for microplastic remediation is ultrafiltration technology, which involves passing water through a membrane with small pores to filter out the microplastics. ...

Microplastics（ISSN: 2673-8929） [...]

<p>Soils are considered the largest sink of microplastic particles (MP) in terrestrial ecosystems. However, there is little knowledge on the implications of MP contaminating soils. In particular, we do not know the extent of and conditions under which MP are transported through porous media and, if they are deposited, how they affect soil hydraulic properties and soil moisture dynamics. We hypothesize that: 1) hydrophobic MP enhance soil water repellency; 2) isolated MP are displaced and transported by the air-water interface; 3) clusters of MP impede water flow and are retained in air-filled ...

Microplastics are emerging pollutants in marine and coastal environments and are of concern worldwide. This paper systematically summarizes the research progress on microplastics pollution and its ecological effects in the coastal environment around the world during the past ten years. There remain some key technical points that need to be solved urgently to study mircroplastics pollution, including highly efficient and accurate separation and identification methods and reliable source identification techniques and models. Future hot topics in this field of study are likely to include: the spa...

It seems that proximity to hotspots of macroplastic accumulation is significantly related to microplastics ingestion, and this results highlight important considerations on the fate of plastic in the marine environments with significant impacts on biota and the quality of the product caught at sea.

Society has become increasingly reliant on plastics since commercial production began in about 1950. Their versatility, stability, light weight, and low production costs have fueled global demand. Most plastics are initially used and discarded on land. Nonetheless, the amount of microplastics in some oceanic compartments is predicted to double by 2030. To solve this global problem, we must understand plastic composition, physical forms, uses, transport, and fragmentation into microplastics (and nanoplastics). Plastic debris/microplastics arise from land disposal, wastewater treatment, tire wea...

There is an urgent need to be aware of the harm of MPs to the human immune system and more studies about immunological assessments, and further elucidate the immunological hazards and risks of humans that exposed to MPs.

The increasing accumulation of persistent nondegradable microplastics in the marine environment represents a global environmental problem. Among emerging approaches to tackle microplastics are micro- and nanomotors, tiny devices capable of autonomous propulsion powered by chemical fuels or light. These devices are capable of on-the-fly recognition, capture, and decomposition of pollutants. In the past, various micromotors were designed to efficiently remove and degrade soluble organic pollutants. Current effort is given to the rational design and surface functionalization to achieve micromotor...

Large amounts of microplastics (MPs) enter our environment through runoff from urban areas. This study presents results for MPs in stormwater from a wet retention pond in terms of its water, sediments, and vertebrate fauna. The analysis was done for the size range 10–500 μm, applying a focal-plane array-based µFourier transform infrared (FPA-µFTIR) imaging technique with automated data analysis. Sample preparation protocols were optimized towards this analytical method. The study revealed 270 item L−1 in the pond water, corresponding to 4.2 µg L−1. The MPs in the pond were highly concentrated ...

This work summarizes the existing literature on the uptake of MP by living organisms, identifies knowledge gaps, suggest possible strategies to assess environmental risks arising from MP, and discusses prospects to minimize MP abundance in aquatic ecosystems.

In 2019 the Minnesota Legislature appropriated from the Clean Water Fund $400,000 in FY20 and $400,000 in FY21 to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) to “work in cooperation with the commissioners of agriculture, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and natural resources to sample surface water and groundwater, including drinking water sources, and for an assessment to evaluate potential risks from microplastics and nanoplastics and identify appropriate follow-up actions.” This information sheet provides background on the issue of microand nanoplastics, and preliminary plans for how st...

We report on a preliminary modelling effort to understand the influence of compositional inhomogeneity on alloy microplasticity from a dislocation dynamics perspective. We tackle this problem by multiscale simulations in three steps: (1) analysis of the 3D composition morphology in alloys with tendency to undergo spinodal instability both thermally and under irradiation, with bcc FeCrAl alloys as a model system, (2) atomistic simulation of the dislocation mobility as a function of the local alloy composition, and (3) using dislocation dynamics simulations to understand the impact of compositio...

It is shown that microplastics are ingested by, and may impact upon, zooplankton, and imply that marine microplastic debris can negatively impact upon zoopLankton function and health.