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Microplastics pollution in the marine environment

  • Luís Gabriel A. Barboza
  • , João P.G.L. Frias
  • , Andy M. Booth
  • , Luís R. Vieira
  • , Julie Masura
  • , Joel Baker
  • , Greg Foster
  • , Lúcia Guilhermino
  • Universidade do Porto
  • Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
  • SINTEF
  • University of Washington
  • George Mason University

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

58 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Microplastic particles have been found in almost every marine ecosystem of the world. They are highly persistent in the marine environment and are accumulating at increasing rates. Due to their small dimensions, distinct shapes and diverse colours, microplastics are easily mistaken with food and ingested by several marine species, leading to adverse effects. This chapter reviews (i) the sources, fate, and environmental behavior of microplastics; (ii) the global distribution in the marine environment of these particles; (iii) occurrence in wild marine organisms; and the (iv) effects and toxicity in marine species. Lastly, priorities and opportunities for future research are suggested based on current trends.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationWorld Seas
Subtitle of host publicationAn Environmental Evaluation Volume III: Ecological Issues and Environmental Impacts
EditorsCharles Sheppard
PublisherElsevier
Pages329-351
Number of pages23
VolumeIII
Edition2nd
ISBN (Electronic)9780128050521
ISBN (Print)9780128052044
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2019

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 14 - Life Below Water
    SDG 14 Life Below Water

Keywords

  • accumulation
  • distribution
  • ingestion
  • microplastic analysis
  • microplastics
  • polymer identification
  • toxicity

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