We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Towards the suitable monitoring of ingestion of microplastics by marine biota: A review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review assessed various monitoring methods for detecting microplastic ingestion by marine biota, comparing laboratory and field-based approaches. The authors recommend method selection based on organism type and research question and call for more consistent reporting standards to enable cross-study comparison.
Monitoring plastic ingestion in marine biota is a difficult task, especially regarding ubiquitous microplastics (particles of <5 mm). Due to their microscopic size, evidence for microplastic ingestion is often limited to laboratory studies. The following review provides a comparison and assessment of different microplastic ingestion monitoring procedures. Emphasis is given to the most important steps of current monitoring practice: (1) selecting suitable indicator species, (2) sampling and sample processing, (3) analytical procedures and (4) the prevention of secondary contamination of the sample. Moreover, an overview on ingestion records of microplastics by different marine feeding guilds is presented, including filter, suspension and deposit feeders as well as predators and scavengers. Lastly, monitoring processes are addressed critically in terms of their suitability for achieving the aims of an appropriate monitoring programme. Recommendations for future research priorities are presented with a focus on the necessity of standardised and comparable monitoring procedures in microplastic detection.
More Papers Like This
Quality Criteria for the Analysis of Microplastic in Biota Samples: A Critical Review
AI summary Read the abstract
Ten quality criteria were applied to review recent microplastic ingestion studies in aquatic biota, finding wide variation in methodological rigor including inadequate sample sizes, poor contamination controls, and inconsistent polymer identification methods. The authors propose a standardized quality assessment framework to improve comparability of microplastic ingestion data across studies.
Towards robust and repeatable methods for studying interactions between jellyfish and microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This methodological review examined inconsistent approaches used in published studies of interactions between jellyfish and microplastics, finding that lack of standardized protocols makes cross-study comparisons difficult. Jellyfish are considered particularly susceptible to microplastic ingestion due to their feeding on small suspended particles, yet field sampling and laboratory experimental methods vary widely. The authors recommend standard protocols and call for more environmentally relevant experiments covering greater species diversity and different life history stages.
Occurrence, Distribution, and Extraction Methods of Microplastics in Marine Organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
This review synthesizes global data on microplastic occurrence and distribution across marine organisms, comparing the advantages and limitations of different extraction and identification methods used in the field.
A critical view on microplastic quantification in aquatic organisms
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers critically reviewed the methods used to quantify microplastics in aquatic organisms including zooplankton, bivalves, and fish. The study highlights that no standardized methodology exists for measuring microplastic contamination in biota, which makes comparing results across studies difficult and underscores the need for consistent analytical protocols.
Recent advances in the analysis methodologies for microplastics in aquatic organisms: current knowledge and research challenges
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines recent advances in analytical methods for detecting and quantifying microplastics in aquatic organisms, identifying key sources of variability across studies and outlining research challenges needed to improve comparability and standardization.
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.