0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

Primary microplastics in the oceans: A global evaluation of sources

2017 1638 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count.
J.-M. Boucher, D. Friot

Summary

Researchers evaluated the global sources of primary microplastics entering the oceans — including microbeads, plastic pellets, synthetic fibers, and abrasion from products — estimating that 1.5 to 2.5 million tonnes are released annually.

Plastic has penetrated everyday life, and the disadvantages of plastics are becoming more and more visible: large quantities of plastics leak into rivers and oceans, with adverse effects to marine ecosystems and related economic activities. This report is one of the first of its kind to quantify primary microplastics leakage and to demonstrate that these primary microplastics are globally responsible for a major source of plastics in the oceans.

Share this paper