Microplastics in sediments: A review of techniques, occurrence and effects

Mar Environ Res. 2015 Oct:111:5-17. doi: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.06.007. Epub 2015 Jun 10.

Abstract

Microplastics are omnipresent in the marine environment and sediments are hypothesized to be major sinks of these plastics. Here, over 100 articles spanning the last 50 year are reviewed with following objectives: (i) to evaluate current microplastic extraction techniques, (ii) to discuss the occurrence and worldwide distribution of microplastics in sediments, and (iii) to make a comprehensive assessment of the possible adverse effects of this type of pollution to marine organisms. Based on this review we propose future research needs and conclude that there is a clear need for a standardized techniques, unified reporting units and more realistic effect assessments.

Keywords: Direct effects; Indirect effects; Microplastics; Pellets; Sediment; Techniques.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Geologic Sediments / analysis*
  • Invertebrates / drug effects*
  • Oceans and Seas
  • Particle Size
  • Plastics / analysis
  • Plastics / toxicity*
  • Vertebrates / metabolism*

Substances

  • Plastics