Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: A review

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN

卷:62

Review

Cole, Matthew¹  Lindeque, Pennie¹  Halsband, Claudia²  Galloway, Tamara S.³ 

[1] Plymouth Marine Lab, Plymouth PL1 3DH, Devon, England

[2] Akvaplan Niva AS, FRAM High N Res Ctr Climate & Environm, N-9296 Tromso, Norway

[3] Univ Exeter, Coll Life & Environm Sci Biosci, Hatherly Labs, Exeter EX4 4PS, Devon, England

关键词: Microplastics;    Marine litter;    Plastic debris;    Priority pollutant;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.09.025

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

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. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free