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Sampling, Sorting, and Characterizing Microplastics in Aquatic Environments with High Suspended Sediment Loads and Large Floating Debris
Published on: July 28, 2018
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Microplastics in the environment: Recent developments in characteristic, occurrence, identification and ecological
A K Priya1, A A Jalil2, Kingshuk Dutta3
1Department of Civil Engineering, KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, 641027, India.
Chemosphere
|March 19, 2022
Summary
Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive environmental pollutants. This review synthesizes current knowledge on their occurrence, fate, mobility, and ecological impact across various ecosystems, highlighting gaps in terrestrial research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Pollution Studies
Background:
- Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles <5mm, are persistent environmental pollutants.
- Existing research primarily focuses on MPs in marine and coastal environments.
- Knowledge regarding terrestrial MPs, their characteristics, and impacts remains incomplete.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive review of scientific literature on microplastic occurrence, fate, mobility, and consequences.
- To consolidate data on MPs in diverse environmental compartments including oceans, freshwater, sediments, soils, and atmosphere.
- To explore experimental and model-based findings on MP behavior and ecological effects.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of scientific publications and existing datasets.
- Analysis of experimental and modeling data concerning MP fate and transport.
- Compilation of research on MP toxicity, bioavailability, and bioaccumulation.
Main Results:
- MPs are found across marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and atmospheric environments.
- Data on MP fate, mobility, and ecological impacts are available for various ecosystems.
- Research indicates potential for MP toxicity, bioavailability, and bioaccumulation.
Conclusions:
- A significant knowledge gap exists regarding terrestrial microplastic pollution.
- Further research is crucial to understand the full environmental impact of MPs.
- Integrated studies on MP occurrence, transport, and effects are needed across all ecosystems.
