We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Plastic Pollution: What We Know and Where are We Going?
AI summary Read the abstract
This overview by a chemistry and environmental sciences professor surveys the state of microplastic pollution research, noting that while plastic pollution in the oceans has been observed since the 1970s, intensive scientific study of microplastics is a relatively recent phenomenon. The piece contextualizes the field's rapid growth and highlights key knowledge gaps.
Sherri A. Mason - Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences Program Coordinator at the State University of New York at Fredonia. Although plastic as a mass produced material hit the stage post-World War II and plastic pollution in the world’s oceans is documented dating back to the early 1970’s, as an area of active, on-going scientific research it is really a topic of this century. The Great Lakes represent the largest freshwater ecosystem in the world, and thus it is fitting that most of the freshwater research on plastic pollution is focused right here. This webinar intends to present an overview of the research work that has been done to-date (both by the speaker and others), as well as discussing future work that is either already in the works or in need of being conducted.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in the ocean: an overview and an outlook
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes scientific literature on the composition, origin, and distribution of microplastics in the ocean, as well as their effects on marine organisms and ecosystems. It identifies the most important directions for ongoing ocean microplastics research.
Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This overview paper introduced the topic of microplastics — their origins, classification, environmental distribution, and ecological significance — as an entry point into the broader field of plastic pollution science. It contextualizes current research challenges and policy needs.
Plastics in the Marine Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review traces nearly 50 years of research on plastic contamination in the oceans, from early sightings of debris to the current understanding of microplastic pollution spanning all marine habitats. Researchers highlight that plastics have been found in sizes from microns to meters, in locations from the sea surface to the deep ocean floor. The study emphasizes that despite growing awareness, significant gaps remain in understanding the full ecological and chemical impacts of marine plastic pollution.
Marine Pollution: The Problematic of Microplastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This review paper examines the problem of microplastic marine pollution, covering the origin of plastic debris, its fragmentation into microplastics, distribution across ocean environments, and known biological effects. The work provides a comprehensive overview of why microplastics represent a serious and growing threat to marine ecosystems.
On the issue of microplastics in the environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper examines the origins of microplastic pollution, arguing that its emergence is not solely attributable to polymer chemistry advances and cannot be explained simply by physicochemical degradation processes acting on plastic materials.
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.