Animals and Microplastics

Microplastics are now ubiquitous in the environment and are increasingly reported in biota across the globe. This chapter provides an overview of the animals known to ingest microplastics, and highlights organism interactions and habitat exposures leading to microplastic uptake. Many animals ingest microplastics, therefore supporting the likelihood that microplastics undergo trophic transfer. Species that breed or congregate in high densities may also act as microplastic concentrators in the environment. Furthermore, migratory animals may influence the fate and transport of microplastics by transporting microplastics across ecosystem boundaries, therefore facilitating exposure to microplastics in relatively remote regions. Although both abiotic and biotic processes impact the extent to which microplastic exposure and resulting hazard may be characterized, understanding predator-prey relationships and how trophic transfer may result in greater exposure are important to consider as we monitor, and attempt to mitigate effects of, plastic pollution in the environment.