We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Marine microplastic debris: a targeted plan for understanding and quantifying interactions with marine life
Summary
This review examines the mechanisms by which marine organisms interact with microplastic debris and proposes a targeted research plan for understanding and quantifying these interactions and their role in redistributing plastic throughout ocean environments. The authors synthesize laboratory and field evidence showing that biotic processes - including ingestion, egestion, and biofouling - may significantly alter the spatial distribution and long-term fate of microplastics in marine systems.
Microscopic plastic (microplastic) debris is a marine pollutant that threatens aquatic biota and ecosystems. Microplastics have been detected throughout the world's oceans; however, the relative importance of different processes that control the spatial distribution and long-term fate of microplastics in the marine environment remains largely unknown. Results from laboratory and field studies indicate that interactions between microplastic debris and marine organisms may play an important role in redistributing plastic in the oceans. We provide an overview of the various mechanisms through which marine life and microplastics can interact. By considering coupled physical–biological processes, we also identify regions where these interactions are most likely to occur, and outline a new research agenda that aims to determine their prevalence in the marine environment. We hypothesize that biological interactions are key to understanding the movement, impact, and fate of microplastics in the oceans.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Biological effects on the migration and transformation of microplastics in the marine environment
This review synthesizes how biological activities including biofouling, ingestion, and biodegradation influence the migration, distribution, and transformation of microplastics in marine environments across four key mechanisms.
Microplastics in the marine environment: A review of their sources, distribution processes, uptake and exchange in ecosystems
Researchers reviewed the literature on how microplastics move through marine environments, finding that while plastic density helps predict vertical distribution in the water column, biological interactions — such as ingestion and biofouling — better explain why buoyant plastics end up at great ocean depths and transfer through food webs. The review underscores that microplastic bioaccumulation is driven as much by ecology as by physical properties.
Marine microplastic debris: a targeted plan for understanding and quantifying interactions with marine life
This review identified key knowledge gaps in marine microplastic research and proposed a targeted research plan to address uncertainties around sources, distribution, biological impacts, and the role of microplastics in transporting chemical pollutants. The framework was designed to guide resource allocation for maximum scientific and policy impact.
Distribution and importance of microplastics in the marine environment: A review of the sources, fate, effects, and potential solutions
This review synthesized research on the distribution and significance of microplastics across the marine environment, covering sources, transport pathways, ecological interactions, and the state of knowledge on biological and chemical effects.
Micro‐by‐micro interactions: How microorganisms influence the fate of marine microplastics
This review examines how microorganisms interact with microplastics in marine environments, including biofilm formation, biodegradation, and effects on plastic transport and sedimentation. Researchers found that microbial colonization of plastics can influence how microplastics move through the water column and enter food webs. The study highlights that understanding these micro-by-micro interactions is essential for assessing the environmental fate of microplastic pollution.