A Review of Microplastics Research in the Shipbuilding and Maritime Transport Industry

Microplastics are contaminants of increasing environmental concern, particularly in marine ecosystems where they can be easily ingested by marine organisms, causing adverse health problems in animals and, through trophic transfer, in humans. While numerous studies have examined microplastic pollution in marine environments, most focus on water, sediment, or biota, thereby only measuring cumulative effects from multiple pollution sources in one area. This review aims to assess existing research on microplastic pollution originating from shipyards and maritime transport activities, with the goal of identifying current knowledge, methodological approaches, and existing research gaps. A review of the scientific literature was conducted, focusing on studies that investigated microplastic pollution associated with shipyards and maritime transport. Priority was given to peer-reviewed publications that included quantitative or qualitative measurements of microplastics. The reviewed literature reveals a limited number of studies explicitly addressing microplastic emissions from shipyards and maritime transport. Available studies employ diverse sampling strategies and analytical methods, making direct comparisons challenging. This review highlights significant gaps in current knowledge regarding microplastic sources and pathways linked to maritime industries. By synthesizing existing data, the paper provides a foundation for future targeted research and supports the development of more effective pollution reduction strategies.