The factors influencing the vertical transport of microplastics in marine environment: A review

Jiasen Li; Encui Shan; Jianmin Zhao; Jia Teng; Qing Wang

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161893

The factors influencing the vertical transport of microplastics in marine environment: A review

Sci Total Environ. 2023 Apr 20:870:161893. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161893. Epub 2023 Jan 31.

Authors

Jiasen Li¹, Encui Shan¹, Jianmin Zhao², Jia Teng², Qing Wang³

Affiliations

¹ Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
² Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China.
³ Research and Development Center for Efficient Utilization of Coastal Bioresources, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China; Muping Coastal Environment Research Station, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai 264003, PR China. Electronic address: qingwang@yic.ac.cn.

PMID: 36731545
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161893

Abstract

There have been numerous studies that have identified the presence of low-density microplastics (MPs) in the water column and sediments. The focus of current MPs research has shifted towards the interaction of MPs with marine organisms and their potential hazards, including the uptake characteristics, biological transport and toxicological effects of MPs, but the processes involved in the deposition behavior of MPs are still poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the vertical transport of MPs influenced by their physicochemical properties and marine organisms, and discuss their potential impact on MPs deposition. The physicochemical properties of MPs determine their initial distribution. The density, shape, and size of MPs influence their settling state in the marine environment. Marine biota play a key role in the transport of MPs to deep marine environment, mainly by changing the density and adsorption of MPs. Biofouling can alter the surface properties of MPs and increase the overall density, thus affecting the vertical flux of the plastic. Macroalgae may trap MPs particles by producing chemicals or by using electrostatic interactions. Marine swimming organisms ingest MPs and excrete them encapsulated in fecal particles, while the activity of marine benthic organisms may contribute to the transfer of MPs from surface sediments to deeper layers. In addition, MPs may be incorporated into organic particles produced by marine organisms such as marine snow or marine aggregates, increasing the vertical flux of MPs. However, due to the complexity of different sea areas and MPs properties, the deposition behavior of MPs may be the result of the interaction of multiple factors. Thus, the effects of MPs properties, marine organisms and the natural environment on MPs deposition in marine environment needs further research to fill this gap.

Keywords: Biofouling; Biological transport; Deposition; Microplastics; Vertical transport.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Aquatic Organisms
Environmental Monitoring
Microplastics* / chemistry
Plastics
Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

Microplastics
Plastics
Water Pollutants, Chemical