The physical impacts of microplastics on marine organisms: a review.

SL Wright, RC Thompson, TS Galloway

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Plastic debris at the micro-, and potentially also the nano-scale, are widespread in the environment. Microplastics have accumulated in oceans and sediments worldwide in recent years, with maximum concentrations reaching 100 000 particles m(3). Due to their small size, microplastics may be ingested by low trophic fauna, with uncertain consequences for the health of the organism. This review focuses on marine invertebrates and their susceptibility to the physical impacts of microplastic uptake. Some of the main points discussed are (1) an evaluation of the factors contributing to the bioavailability of microplastics including size and density; (2) an assessment of the relative susceptibility of different feeding guilds; (3) an overview of the factors most likely to influence the physical impacts of microplastics such as accumulation and translocation; and (4) the trophic transfer of microplastics. These findings are important in guiding future marine litter research and management strategies. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)483-492
Number of pages0
JournalEnvironmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
Volume178
Issue number0
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2013

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The physical impacts of microplastics on marine organisms: a review.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this