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Studying microplastics: Lessons from evaluated literature on animal model organisms and experimental approaches
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This review analyzed 500 studies on microplastic effects in animals published between 2011 and 2020 to identify trends and gaps in the research. Researchers found that most studies focus on marine species and laboratory settings, with freshwater and terrestrial organisms receiving far less attention. The study recommends more long-term field studies and experiments comparing different life stages and sexes to build a more complete picture of microplastic impacts.
Although we are witnesses of an increase in the number of studies examining the exposure/effects of microplastics (MPs) on different organisms, there are many unknowns. This review aims to: (i) analyze current studies devoted to investigating the exposure/effects of MPs on animals; (ii) provide some basic knowledge about different model organisms and experimental approaches used in studying MPs; and to (iii) convey directions for future studies. We have summarized data from 500 studies published from January 2011 to May 2020, about different aspects of model organisms (taxonomic group of organisms, type of ecosystem they inhabit, life-stage, sex, tissue and/or organ) and experimental design (laboratory/field, ingestion/bioaccumulation/effect). We also discuss and try to encourage investigation of some less studied organisms (terrestrial and freshwater species, among groups including Annelida, Nematoda, Echinodermata, Cnidaria, Rotifera, birds, amphibians, reptiles), and aspects of MP pollution (long-term field studies, comparative studies examining life stages, sexes, laboratory and field work). We hope that the information presented in this review will serve as a good starting point and will provide useful guidelines for researchers during the process of deciding on the model organism and study designs for investigating MPs.
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Studies of the effects of microplastics on aquatic organisms: What do we know and where should we focus our efforts in the future?
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This review critically evaluates published research on microplastic effects on aquatic organisms and identifies significant gaps between laboratory experiments and real-world conditions. Researchers found that most studies use polystyrene spheres at concentrations far higher than those found in the environment, while the most common microplastics in nature are fragments and fibers of other polymer types. The study calls for more environmentally realistic experimental designs to better understand the actual ecological risks of microplastic pollution.
Research trends in nano- and microplastic ingestion in marine planktonic food webs
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This review analyzed 120 studies on nano- and microplastic ingestion in marine zooplankton, covering protozoans, holoplankton, meroplankton, and ichthyoplankton. Researchers found that laboratory experiments are overrepresented compared to field studies, with polystyrene beads used in 54% of experiments despite not reflecting real-world microplastic diversity. The review identifies significant gaps, including understudied groups like protozoans and inconsistent reporting units that make cross-study comparisons difficult.
Experimental methods for assessing biological effects of microplastics on mouse models: trends, gaps, and future directions
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This review critically examined how mouse studies from 2021 to 2025 have been designed to evaluate microplastic toxicity, focusing on sex of animals used, exposure methods, particle characterization, dosing, and duration. Researchers found significant inconsistencies across studies, including limited sex-specific analyses and the use of unrealistic exposure conditions that reduce the relevance of findings to human health. The study recommends standardized protocols to improve the reliability and comparability of future microplastic toxicology research.
A brief history of microplastics effect testing: Guidance and prospect
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This review provides a history of how scientists have tested the effects of microplastics on living organisms and finds that while study quality has improved since 2016, many methodological problems remain. Current risk assessments show that microplastic levels found in many ecosystems already exceed concentrations known to cause harmful effects in lab studies. The review offers practical guidance for researchers to design better experiments, which is essential for accurately determining the health risks of microplastic exposure.
Feasting on microplastics: ingestion by and effects on marine organisms
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This review synthesizes experimental studies on microplastic ingestion and effects across a wide range of marine organisms, finding evidence of physical harm, reproductive effects, and reduced feeding in multiple taxa. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the biological consequences of microplastic ingestion and identifies key knowledge gaps for future research.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.