title: Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: a review.
abstract: Since the mass production of plastics began in the 1940s, microplastic contamination of the marine environment has been a growing problem. Here, a review of the literature has been conducted with the following objectives: (1) to summarise the properties, nomenclature and sources of microplastics; (2) to discuss the routes by which microplastics enter the marine environment; (3) to evaluate the methods by which microplastics are detected in the marine environment; (4) to assess spatial and temporal trends of microplastic abundance; and (5) to discuss the environmental impact of microplastics. Microplastics are both abundant and widespread within the marine environment, found in their highest concentrations along coastlines and within mid-ocean gyres. Ingestion of microplastics has been demonstrated in a range of marine organisms, a process which may facilitate the transfer of chemical additives or hydrophobic waterborne pollutants to biota. We conclude by highlighting key future research areas for scientists and policymakers.
authors: Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Prospect Place, The Hoe, Plymouth PL1 3DH, UK. mcol@pml.ac.uk
authors: Matthew
authors: M
authors: Cole
authors: Pennie
authors: P
authors: Lindeque
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Halsband
authors: Tamara S
authors: TS
authors: Galloway
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D020387:Food Chain; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D010316:Particle Size; D010969:Plastics / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry; D013997:Time Factors; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D010969:Plastics; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical