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Updated: Dec 28, 2025
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Protocol for Microplastics Sampling on the Sea Surface and Sample Analysis
Published on: December 16, 2016
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Distribution, abundance and risks of microplastics in the environment
Qing Yu1, Xiaojie Hu1, Bing Yang1
1Institute of Organic Contaminant Control and Soil Remediation, College of Resources and Environmental Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
Chemosphere
|February 17, 2020
Summary
Microplastics are widespread environmental contaminants. Further research is needed on their food chain transfer and human health effects due to inconsistent study methods.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Microplastics (<5mm) are globally distributed environmental pollutants.
- Research on microplastics has significantly increased, with notable contributions from English and French institutions.
- Key research areas include microplastic distribution, abundance, and environmental risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the current state of microplastic research through bibliometric analysis.
- To identify research hotspots and geographical contributions in the microplastic field.
- To highlight challenges in microplastic research and suggest future directions.
Main Methods:
- Bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in Web of Science.
- Keyword analysis to identify research trends and hotspots.
- Literature review to assess current understanding and identify research gaps.
Main Results:
- Microplastics detected across all continents and major oceans.
- Significant contributions from English and French research institutions noted.
- Research hotspots identified as distribution, abundance, and environmental risks.
- Inconsistent methodologies hinder direct comparison of microplastic concentrations.
- Negative impacts of microplastic chemical composition and adsorbed pollutants on marine life documented.
Conclusions:
- Standardization of sampling and reporting methods is crucial for comparative microplastic research.
- Microplastics pose risks to marine organisms through chemical and physical interactions.
- The impact of microplastic consumption via seafood on human health remains largely unknown.
- Future research should prioritize microplastic transfer, accumulation, and effects within food chains.
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