We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risks of microplastics in the offshore environment: a review
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers review the sources, distribution, and ecological risks of microplastics across offshore marine environments, identifying polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene as dominant polymer types and highlighting how MPs adsorb hazardous co-contaminants that amplify bioaccumulation and endocrine disruption risks through marine food webs.
The indiscriminate use of plastic worldwide, coupled with inadequate disposal practices, has led to substantial accumulation of microplastics (MPs) in marine environments, with offshore regions acting as major sinks. This study reviews the current understanding of MP sources, classification, and distribution in offshore water columns, sediments and biota. It identifies terrestrial inputs as the dominant source and highlights the role of oceanic and atmospheric processes in modulating their dispersal. MPs exhibit diverse morphological and polymer profiles, with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS) being the most prevalent polymers. Their small size, hydrophobicity, and high specific surface area promote ingestion by marine organisms, leading to bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, endocrine disruption and impairments in metabolic and reproductive functions. Furthermore, MPs may act as vectors for adsorbed hazardous contaminants, potentially amplifying ecological and human health risks. Key research priorities include addressing gaps in spatial and seasonal distribution data, lack of in situ toxicity validation, and the development of comprehensive risk assessment frameworks for combined pollutant exposures. This review aims to support targeted research and inform effective mitigation strategies against microplastic pollution in coastal-offshore ecosystems.
More Papers Like This
Review on Microplastic Pollution in Marine Ecosystems: Sources, Distribution, Ecological Impacts, and Future Directions
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers synthesize current knowledge on microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems, documenting sources ranging from plastic waste breakdown to industrial activities, widespread distribution from ocean surface to seafloor, ingestion by marine organisms across trophic levels, and significant knowledge gaps including long-term ecological consequences and nanoplastic effects requiring standardized research methodologies.
Occurrence, Fate, and Biodegradation of Microplastics in Marine Environments
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed how microplastics — synthetic polymer fragments smaller than 5mm — spread through marine environments, persist over long periods, and undergo partial biodegradation. The widespread distribution of these particles in oceans raises ongoing concerns about their effects on marine life and the humans who eat seafood.
Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Sources, Distribution, Biological Effects and Socio-Economic Impacts
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the sources, distribution, biological effects, and socioeconomic impacts of microplastic pollution in marine environments, finding that rivers and estuaries are the primary land-to-ocean transport pathways. The review emphasizes that microplastics transfer adsorbed pollutants and additives through food webs to top predators, and that reducing plastic production and improving waste management are essential long-term solutions.
Distribution of Microplastics in the Marine Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the distribution of microplastics throughout the world's oceans, documenting their presence in surface water, deep sediments, and marine organisms from coastal zones to the open sea, underscoring how widespread and persistent plastic pollution has become.
Distribution of Microplastics in the Marine Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers reviewed the distribution of microplastics across all ocean environments — from surface waters to deep-sea sediments — showing that plastics have penetrated even the most remote marine ecosystems. The findings highlight that no part of the ocean is untouched by plastic pollution, threatening marine food chains that humans depend on.
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.