We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The NOAA NCEI marine microplastics database
AI summary Read the abstract
NOAA has created a global open-access database for marine microplastic data, providing standardized and searchable records from researchers worldwide through an interactive map and data portal. The database addresses a major gap in microplastic research by making fragmented data from many studies comparable and accessible. This kind of coordinated monitoring is essential for understanding the full scale of microplastic pollution in the oceans and its potential effects on human health through seafood and coastal environments.
Microplastics (<5 mm) pollution is a growing problem affecting coastal communities, marine ecosystems, aquatic life, and human health. The widespread occurrence of marine microplastics, and the need to curb its threats, require expansive, and continuous monitoring. While microplastic research has increased in recent years and generated significant volumes of data, there is a lack of a robust, open access, and long-term aggregation of this data. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) now provides a global open access to marine microplastics data on an easily discoverable and accessible GIS web map and data portal ( https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/microplastics ). The objective of this data portal is to develop a repository where microplastics data are aggregated, archived, and served in a user friendly, consistent, and reliable manner. This work contributes to NCEI's efforts towards data standardization, integration, harmonization, and interoperability among national and international collaborators for monitoring global marine microplastics. This paper describes the NOAA NCEI global marine microplastics database, its creation, quality control procedures, and future directions.
More Papers Like This
NOAA NCEI Global Marine Microplastics Database Initiative
AI summary Read the abstract
NOAA launched an initiative to create a global database of marine microplastic observations to address the major gap between scientific data generation and accessible, standardized data management. The database aims to support scientists, educators, and policymakers in understanding and responding to marine microplastic pollution.
Building a comprehensive archive and open access data portal for monitoring marine microplastics - the NOAA NCEI Global Marine Microplastics Database and Web Map
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers developed a comprehensive archive and open-access web portal for marine microplastic monitoring data through the NOAA NCEI Global Marine Microplastics Database, creating a centralized resource to support research on microplastic impacts on coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
Tracking Marine Microplastic Monitoring Through the NOAA NCEI Global Marine Microplastic Concentrations ESRI ArcGIS Online Experience Builder Web Application
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers describe a global database hosted by NOAA that compiles marine microplastic monitoring data from around the world, making it easier to track pollution trends and identify data gaps. Centralizing this data is important because understanding how microplastic concentrations are changing over time and space is essential for protecting marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
Global Marine Microplastic Concentrations
AI summary Read the abstract
NOAA compiled a global database of marine microplastic concentrations from 1972 to the present, aggregating data from hundreds of studies worldwide. The database standardizes measurements in particles per cubic meter and includes location, date, and depth information. This resource supports large-scale analysis of microplastic distribution in ocean environments.
Global Marine Microplastic Concentrations
AI summary Read the abstract
This is an additional entry for NOAA's global marine microplastics concentration database, providing standardized quality-controlled records of microplastic concentrations in marine environments from 1972 onward. The dataset includes surface tows, water column samples, and sediment data from a wide geographic range. Researchers use this resource to track trends in ocean plastic pollution over time.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.