Papers

Widespread distribution of microplastics in subsurface seawater in the NE Pacific Ocean

Researchers detected and characterized microplastics in subsurface seawater samples collected across the northeast Pacific, finding widespread contamination below the surface layer and providing insight into how microplastics distribute through the water column.

Ingestion of Microplastics by Zooplankton in the Northeast Pacific Ocean

Researchers collected zooplankton from the northeast Pacific Ocean and found microplastics ingested by multiple species, demonstrating that microplastic uptake occurs throughout the open ocean zooplankton community far from coastlines.

A novel, density-independent and FTIR-compatible approach for the rapid extraction of microplastics from aquatic sediments

Researchers developed a novel extraction method for microplastics from aquatic sediments that does not rely on density separation, making it compatible with FTIR spectroscopy without requiring additional processing steps. The approach could simplify and speed up microplastic analysis in environmental samples.

Out of sight, but no longer out of mind: Microplastics as a global pollutant

This commentary argues that microplastics represent a global pollutant whose environmental scope and health implications have been overlooked for too long. The author calls for more concerted research, better monitoring, and policy action to address microplastic contamination across all environmental compartments.

Microplastic Abundance and Distribution in the Intertidal and Subtidal Marine Environment Around a Major Urban Park in Vancouver, Canada