Is Wild Marine Biota Affected by Microplastics?

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Environmental Toxicology
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Microplastics (MPs) are pervasive pollutants in marine environments.
• Concerns exist regarding their adverse effects on marine organisms.
• Existing research often focuses on laboratory conditions, potentially overestimating impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review adverse effects of MPs on wild marine organisms.
• To assess the scientific literature on MP impacts on marine biota.
• To compare observed effects in wild populations versus experimental settings.

Main Methods:

• Bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace (version 6.1.R3).
• Screening of scientific articles for data on MP effects on marine biota.
• Qualitative review of studies reporting negative effects.

Main Results:

• A total of 395 articles were identified, but only 22 contained data on marine biota.
• Only 12 articles specifically highlighted negative effects of MPs.
• Observed adverse effects in wild organisms were generally less severe than those in experimental studies.

Conclusions:

• Current knowledge on MP adverse effects in wild marine animals is limited.
• Further research is essential to fully elucidate MP roles and impacts.
• Understanding MP effects is crucial for marine ecosystem and human health protection.