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Microplastics in the environment: Much ado about nothing? A debate
Summary
Two researchers debate the significance of microplastics as an environmental hazard, with one arguing the evidence for harm is overstated and the other defending the legitimacy of concern. The exchange highlights genuine scientific uncertainty about ecologically relevant exposure thresholds and biological effects.
This manuscript documents a debate between the two authors on the issue of microplastics in the environment. It was sparked by a recent viewpoint article published by G. A. Burton in Environmental Science and Technology (http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b05463) and started as a Twitter debate. To expand, we decided to continue our conversation publishing 1000 word texts on peerJ and responding to each other in roughly two-week intervals. Currently, the text contains the following: 1) An introduction, which sets the scene for the article 2) Martin's kick-off statement, dated Feb. 27, 2018 3) Thomas' opening statement, dated March 18, 2018 Martin is currently preparing his rebuttal.