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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Estimating global marine surface microplastic abundance: systematic literature review
ClearA global inventory of small floating plastic debris
Researchers compiled a global inventory of small floating plastic debris from ocean surface sampling expeditions, estimating the total abundance and mass of floating microplastics and identifying the major oceanic accumulation zones.
Critical reassessment of microplastic abundances in the marine environment
Researchers critically reassessed microplastic detection methods used in marine field studies and recalculated global abundance estimates. They found that microplastic levels in ocean waters and sediments are up to 15 and 11 times higher, respectively, than previously reported, with Southeast Asia and East America being primary hotspots. The study demonstrates that earlier estimates have significantly underestimated the true scale of marine microplastic pollution due to limitations in detection techniques.
A systematic review and scientometrics analysis on microplastic pollution on coastal beaches around the globe
This systematic review analyzes microplastic pollution on coastal beaches worldwide. The research found that beach contamination varies widely by region but is present on virtually every coastline studied. This matters because beaches are not just recreational areas but also habitats where microplastics can enter marine food webs and eventually reach people through seafood consumption.
Critical reassessment of microplastic detection methodologies and abundances in the marine environment
This review critically reassesses methodological limitations in marine microplastic detection, arguing that inconsistent size fractionation, incomplete polymer identification, and lack of standardized protocols across studies prevent reliable estimation of global MP abundance in the marine environment.
Review on the distribution of microplastics in the oceans and its impacts: Need for modeling-based approach to investigate the transport and risk of microplastic pollution
This review synthesizes evidence on microplastic distribution across global oceans and argues that modeling-based approaches are urgently needed to better understand transport pathways and assess pollution risks at scale.
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.
Global mapping for the occurrence of all-sized microplastics in seafloor sediments
Researchers compiled global seafloor microplastic data from 155 marine sediment samples including detailed sampling metadata and abundance measurements for 20 microplastic categories, providing foundational data for understanding the distribution and uncertainty of microplastic contamination on the seafloor.
Microplastics in coastal and oceanic surface waters and their role as carriers of pollutants of emerging concern in marine organisms
Researchers analyzed 167 studies on microplastics in ocean surface waters and marine organisms, finding that fragments and fibers are the most common particle types across all regions studied. The review highlights that microplastics act as carriers for other harmful pollutants, increasing the chemical burden on marine life. The uneven global distribution of research means that microplastic contamination in many ocean regions remains poorly understood.
Research vessel survey & assessment of surface marine microplastics: a comparative study between international water and the united arab emirates
Researchers conducted ship-based surveys to assess the diversity and abundance of microplastics in surface seawater, comparing results across different oceanic regions and collection methods. The study identified significant variability in microplastic concentrations related to proximity to land and shipping routes.
Worldwide distribution and abundance of microplastic: How dire is the situation?
This review examines the global distribution and abundance of microplastics across marine and freshwater ecosystems. Researchers found that microplastic accumulation varies significantly based on geographic location, water movement patterns, and proximity to human activity. The study emphasizes that without proper regulations to curb plastic pollution, microplastics will continue to threaten aquatic environments and, ultimately, human well-being.
Current Progress on Marine Microplastics Pollution Research: A Review on Pollution Occurrence, Detection, and Environmental Effects
This review summarized current knowledge on marine microplastic pollution, covering detection methods, occurrence across ocean zones and organism types, and environmental effects, while identifying key research gaps around long-term ecological impacts and standardized monitoring protocols.
A multilevel dataset of microplastic abundance in the world’s upper ocean and the Laurentian Great Lakes
Researchers synthesized 8,218 pelagic microplastic samples from the world's oceans into a multilevel public dataset, calibrating for sampling differences and vertical mixing effects to provide standardized global estimates of upper ocean microplastic abundance.
Microplastics in the marine environment: Current trends and future perspectives
Using a scientometric analysis of published literature, researchers mapped global trends in marine microplastic research from 2010 onward, finding rapid growth in publications, increasing geographic diversity, and a shift toward impacts and solutions. The analysis provides a high-level view of how the field has evolved and where research attention is currently concentrated.
Microplastic Pollution in Seawater: A Review Study
This review study systematically evaluated recent data on microplastic contamination in seawater, synthesizing findings on distribution, concentration, polymer types, and ecological impacts in marine ecosystems. The evidence confirms that microplastic pollution is a growing global concern with documented negative effects on marine biota.
Environmental implications of microplastic pollution in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean
Researchers assessed microplastic concentrations, distribution, and characteristics across the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, finding widespread contamination with significant spatial variation and identifying environmental implications for marine ecosystems in this understudied region.
Global occurrence, drivers, and environmental risks of microplastics in marine environments
Global marine microplastic abundance showed significant spatial heterogeneity driven by offshore distance, population density, and economic development, with small-size particles (<1 mm) dominating. Polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, and PVC posed the highest environmental risk contributions, and land-based waste and marine operations were the dominant sources aggregating at nearshore and deep-sea bottom environments.
Microplastic abundance, distribution and composition in the mid-west Pacific Ocean
Researchers surveyed microplastic abundance, distribution, and composition across the mid-west Pacific Ocean, an area with previously limited data, finding widespread contamination across sampled stations. The dominant particle types were fibers and fragments, with concentrations varying by location and depth.
The Contribution of Microplastics to Marine Pollution
This review examines the contribution of microplastics to marine pollution, covering the pathways by which plastic particles enter ocean systems, their distribution across ocean basins, effects on marine life, and the challenges of reducing the flow of plastic into the sea.
Distribution, abundance and risks of microplastics in the environment
This bibliometric analysis reviewed the global state of microplastic research, finding that microplastics have been detected in water bodies and sediments across all seven continents and four oceans. The study highlights that meaningful comparisons between studies remain difficult due to inconsistent sampling methods and concentration units. Researchers note that while microplastics and their adsorbed pollutants can harm marine organisms, the effects on human health through contaminated seafood remain unclear.
Global distribution of microplastics and its impact on marine environment—a review
This review compiles global data on microplastic distribution across marine environments and their impacts on ocean ecosystems. Researchers found that despite growing concern, only about 23% of the world's countries have conducted microplastic research, and most studies have focused on fish while neglecting other affected organisms like sea turtles. The study calls for expanded global monitoring and research to establish microplastic threshold levels that could inform pollution control measures.
A near-synoptic survey of ocean microplastic concentration along an around-the-world sailing race
A near-synoptic survey measured ocean microplastic concentrations along a global circumnavigation route, providing one of the broadest spatial datasets on marine microplastic distribution. The study found significant spatial variation in surface water concentrations and highlighted persistent uncertainty around how much plastic is actually present in the global ocean.
Evaluation of Microplastic Pollution in Marine Environments Sources, Distribution, and Impact
This review synthesizes evidence on microplastic contamination across all marine compartments — surface waters, sediments, and biota — analyzing major sources, distribution patterns, and ecological and human health impacts. The authors emphasize the pervasive and often irreversible nature of marine microplastic pollution.
The emerging issue of microplastics in marine environment: A bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2020
This bibliometric analysis of marine microplastic research from 2004 to 2020 revealed rapid growth in publications, identified key research themes and collaborations, and highlighted emerging topics including microplastic impacts on marine organisms and human health.
The Abundance of Microplastics in the World’s Oceans: A Systematic Review
This systematic review analyzed 73 studies and found microplastics present in surface waters of all five oceans, with concentrations ranging from 0.002 to 62.5 particles per cubic meter. The Atlantic Ocean had the highest levels. The widespread presence of microplastics in our oceans means they are entering marine food chains that eventually reach our dinner plates.