We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Microplastics are Everywhere
AI summary Read the abstract
This brief overview explains what microplastics are, where they come from, and why their persistence in the environment is a concern. Microplastics smaller than 5mm take decades to degrade and have been found in oceans, freshwater, soil, and living organisms worldwide. It is a general-audience introductory piece rather than original research.
The widespread use and misuse of plastics has resulted in serious environmental degradation issues which need to be addressed with immediate effect. One of the most prevalent forms of marine debris in our lakes and seas is plastic. Debris made of plastic can be of any size or shape. Microplastics, however, are plastic particles that are smaller than five millimetres. These tiny pieces could take decades or more to degrade fully. Thus, it is important to manage plastic use and disposal.
More Papers Like This
“Microplastics”
AI summary Read the abstract
This overview introduces microplastics — plastic particles smaller than 5 mm from degraded or manufactured sources — and discusses the environmental concern they pose due to their persistence, their ingestion by aquatic organisms, and their ability to carry associated toxicants.
Microplastics in the Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This chapter reviews the sources, distribution, and environmental persistence of microplastics — small plastic debris less than 5 mm — in both marine and terrestrial environments. It provides an accessible overview of how microplastics enter ecosystems and the concerns they raise for wildlife and human health.
A critical review on occurrence, distribution, environmental impacts and biodegradation of microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review provides a broad overview of microplastic pollution, covering where these particles come from, how they spread through terrestrial and aquatic environments, and their effects on ecosystems. Researchers found that microplastics are now present in virtually every environment studied worldwide, from deep oceans to mountain soils. The study highlights biodegradation by microorganisms as a promising but still underdeveloped approach for addressing microplastic contamination.
Microplastics in Ecosystem – an Overview
AI summary Read the abstract
This overview reviews how microplastics—particles smaller than 5 mm—originate from plastic degradation, are found globally in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, can be ingested by animals at multiple trophic levels, and pose risks to human health through chemical leaching and endocrine disruption. It highlights the need for further research on pollution control and mitigation strategies.
Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes the current state of knowledge on microplastics — particles under 5 mm derived from both intentional manufacture and fragmentation of larger items — covering their diverse polymer types, shapes, sizes, and densities, and describing how these properties influence their environmental sources, fate, and ecological effects. The authors note that microplastics are now detected in virtually every environment studied, from deep ocean sediments to the atmosphere, highlighting the pervasive nature of this suite of contaminants.
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.