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Monitoring Microplastics and Nanoplastics in a Marine Realm
Summary
This review examines the biomonitoring potential of a wide range of marine organisms — from low-trophic-level species to apex predators — as sentinel species for tracking microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in the ocean under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. The authors synthesize research on microplastic ingestion, accumulation, uptake, and egestion to guide selection of sentinel species and inform policymakers and environmental managers.
A serious environmental issue has been brought on by the sharp rise in plastic production worldwide, which reached 335 million tons in 2016; now plastic trash has accumulated in marine habitats. While the adverse effects of macroplastics are extensively documented, the growing acknowledgment of microplastics and nanoplastics introduces a novel ecological challenge. Adding a strategic component to environmental conservation initiatives is the proposal to deploy sentinel species in compliance with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive as a long-term monitoring tool for plastic pollution. In “Monitoring Microplastic and Nanoplastic Pollution in the Marine Realm”, the authors scrutinize the biomonitoring potential of a wide array of organisms, ranging from low-trophic-level marine entities to apex predators. The authors aspire to offer comprehensive insights into microplastic ingestion, accumulation, uptake, and egestion, thereby enhancing comprehension of the selection of sentinel species and stimulating further research into emerging pollutants. This exploration of recent trends in bioindicator research is dedicated to informing policymakers, researchers, and environmental managers and to fostering a proactive stance toward addressing the mounting threats posed by microplastic and nanoplastic pollution in marine ecosystems.
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