We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
The Microplastic Cycle: An Introduction to a Complex Issue
AI summary Read the abstract
This study introduces and expands the microplastic cycle concept as a framework for understanding how plastic particles move across ecosystem reservoirs, connecting source-receptor models with the fate, transport, and effects of plastic pollution.
Abstract The microplastic cycle was originally and formally introduced and defined as a novel concept and paradigm for understanding plastic pollution and its fluxes across ecosystem reservoirs. This concept has now been expanded to include macroplastic particles and links all aspects of the fate, transport, and effects of plastic pollution, including source-receptor models in the environment, and expanded on previously established perspectives that viewed the plastic pollution issue in a less integrated manner. The value of this paradigm is that this perspective integrates three basic scientific spheres: environmental chemistry, biology (i.e., trophic transfer), and human health. The goal of this chapter is to introduce readers to the microplastic pollution problem and to outline the microplastic cycle as a concept and holistic paradigm for addressing this ubiquitous environmental and potential public health problem. The specific objectives of this chapter were to (1) introduce this volume and its chapters by outlining the microplastic pollution issue in the context of the entire plastic cycle; (2) evaluate fluxes of microplastics across different ecosystem compartments, including the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere. and biosphere, including humans; and (3) provide insights on public policy and potential solutions to the microplastic pollution problem.
More Papers Like This
The Microplastics Cycle: An In-Depth Look at a Complex Topic
AI summary Read the abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of the microplastics cycle, tracing how plastic particles originate, travel through aquatic, terrestrial, and atmospheric systems, and ultimately affect ecosystems and human health. The study emphasizes that understanding the full scope of the microplastics cycle across all environmental reservoirs is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies, including reducing plastic production and improving recycling efforts.
Microplastics: An introduction to environmental transport processes
AI summary Read the abstract
This review introduces a new concept called the Plastic Cycle to describe how microplastics move between land, water, and air environments, rather than treating these as separate systems. Researchers outline the sources, transport processes, and ultimate fate of microplastics across environmental compartments. Understanding these interconnected pathways is essential for assessing long-term ecological and human health risks from pervasive microplastic pollution.
The way of microplastic through the environment – Application of the source-pathway-receptor model (review)
AI summary Read the abstract
This review applies the Source-Pathway-Receptor model to organize current knowledge about how microplastics move through the environment. The authors found that while more studies on environmental microplastic concentrations are being published, a comprehensive risk assessment remains impossible due to gaps in understanding transport processes. The study provides a methodological framework to help guide future research and risk assessments for microplastic pollution.
Occurrence, Fate and Fluxes of Plastics and Microplastics in Terrestrial and Freshwater Ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the occurrence, transport pathways, and fate of plastics and microplastics in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems globally, synthesizing evidence that these systems are both sources and sinks and that microplastics cycle between compartments in complex ways.
Plastic Pollution and Ecosystem Health: Sources, Pathways, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesized current knowledge on plastic pollution across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, tracing source pathways from industrial and domestic activities through fragmentation into microplastics and nanoplastics, and mapping impacts including trophic transfer, chemical toxicity, and biodiversity loss.
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.