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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Microplastics in ballast water and limiting movement in the global aquatic environment: A case study
ClearAnalysis of microplastics in ships ballast water and its ecological risk assessment studies from the Persian Gulf
Researchers analyzed microplastic contamination in ships' ballast water collected from the Persian Gulf, assessing the ecological risks of transporting plastic particles across ocean regions. The study found significant microplastic concentrations in ballast water samples, suggesting that international shipping may serve as an important vector for spreading microplastic pollution between marine ecosystems.
Microplastic Pollution in Ship-Sourced Wastewater: Assessment of Pollution Load Risk for Ballast and Bilge Water
A study of ship-generated wastewater found substantial microplastic contamination in both ballast water and bilge water, identifying maritime transport as an underappreciated pathway for spreading microplastic pollution across ocean environments. The findings suggest that current international shipping regulations may be insufficient to prevent microplastic dispersal from vessel operations.
Microplastics in Ship Sewage and Solutions to Limit Their Spread: A Case Study
Researchers found microplastic particles in both grey water and post-treatment sewage from transport ships, with mean concentrations of 72 particles per litre in grey water and 51 per litre in treated sewage, demonstrating that ships represent a significant and underregulated source of microplastic pollution in protected marine areas.
A simple technique to mitigate microplastic pollution and its mobility (via ballast water) in the global ocean
This commentary proposes a simple and inexpensive modification to ship ballast water treatment systems—adding a multi-layer mesh screening chamber—to reduce the transfer of microplastics across ocean basins. Ballast water exchange is recognized as a significant pathway for spreading microplastic pollution globally.
Microplastic contamination in seawater across global marine protected areas boundaries
Researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of microplastic contamination across global Marine Protected Areas, finding that these conservation zones are not immune to plastic pollution and highlighting the need for targeted mitigation strategies.
Size-dependent transfer of microplastics across the intestinal wall of the echinoid Paracentrotus lividus
Researchers examined microplastic contamination in drinking water sources across multiple regions, detecting particles in both treated and untreated water samples. The findings highlight the need for improved filtration and monitoring standards for potable water.
Reuse of Water Contaminated by Microplastics, the Effectiveness of Filtration Processes: A Review
This review evaluates filtration technologies for removing microplastics from water, finding that while treatment plants reduce microplastic counts effectively, large discharge volumes still release substantial quantities into the environment.
Recent occurrence of microplastics in freshwater and efficiency of available treatment technologies
Researchers reviewed six years of global data on microplastics in freshwater systems, finding them in rivers, lakes, and groundwater across five continents, with conventional water treatment removing 85–95% of larger particles but struggling with smaller fragments. The review also found that nanoplastics may be 10–100 times more common than microplastics yet remain nearly impossible to detect with current technology.
Antarctic wastewater: A local source of microplastic pollution
Researchers identified for the first time that a wastewater treatment plant in Antarctica is a local source of microplastic pollution, detecting 64 to 159 particles per liter of wastewater. Over 90% of the identified particles were smaller than 50 micrometers, comprising common polymer types including polyethylene, polypropylene, and PET, demonstrating the need for improved treatment technologies even in remote polar regions.
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.
Sources and Leakages of Microplastics in Cruise Ship Wastewater
Researchers investigated microplastic sources and leakages from cruise ship wastewater systems, finding that onboard laundry, food waste processing, and sewage treatment all contribute microplastics to discharge, with poorly filtered grey water representing a significant and underregulated pathway to the ocean.
Evaluation of the Presence of Microplastics in Wastewater Treatment Plants: Development and Verification of Strategies for Their Quantification and Removal in Aqueous Streams
Researchers evaluated microplastic presence in wastewater treatment plants and developed a pilot capture system capable of detecting, quantifying, and removing microplastic particles from water. The study found that conventional treatment processes are insufficient for complete microplastic removal, highlighting the need for dedicated technologies to address this gap in water treatment infrastructure.
Microplastic generation and emission from ship's greywater
Researchers investigated microplastic concentrations and characteristics in greywater discharged from three vessel types - a research vessel, a container ship, and passenger ships - and estimated total microplastic emissions from global commercial shipping. The study found that untreated ship greywater represents a significant but unregulated sea-based microplastic source, with passenger vessels generating the highest microplastic loads per volume of discharge.
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.
Microplastics in different water samples (seawater, freshwater, and wastewater): Removal efficiency of membrane treatment processes
Researchers studied microplastic distribution across seawater, freshwater, and wastewater sources in France and evaluated the removal efficiency of membrane treatment processes. The study found that wastewater contained the highest concentrations of microplastics, and that membrane-based treatment technologies showed strong potential for removing microplastic particles from different water sources.
Wastewater treatment plants as a pathway for microplastics: Development of a new approach to sample wastewater-based microplastics
Researchers developed a new sampling and monitoring protocol for microplastics at wastewater treatment plants, enabling more consistent tracking of microplastic loads through treatment stages and discharged effluent.
Microplastics in a mosaic of Marine Protected Areas from southeastern Brazil: An assessment based on filter-feeding bivalves
Researchers used filter-feeding bivalves as biological monitors to assess microplastic contamination across 28 marine protected areas along a heavily populated stretch of coastline in southeastern Brazil. They found microplastics in bivalves from all sites surveyed, demonstrating that protected status alone does not shield marine areas from plastic pollution. The study highlights how diffuse, transboundary plastic contamination reaches even designated conservation zones.
Development and evaluation of a water treatment system for the removal of microplastics in an aqueous medium.
Researchers developed and evaluated a water treatment system for removing microplastics from aqueous media, addressing the urgent environmental concern of microplastic contamination in rivers, seas, and oceans and assessing the system's effectiveness as a promising water purification technology.
Mapping global microplastic pollution: Integrating advanced detection and monitoring in aquatic ecosystems
This review maps the global distribution of microplastic contamination across marine, river, lake, and estuarine environments using advanced detection and monitoring methods. Researchers found that contamination is widespread across all aquatic ecosystems, with significant variation driven by local sources and water dynamics. The study emphasizes the need for cross-compartment monitoring approaches that track how microplastics move between air, land, and water systems.
Investigation of plastic and microplastic waste from ships in the marine environment
Researchers investigated plastic and microplastic waste originating from ships in the marine environment, examining the types, quantities, and pathways by which vessel operations contribute to marine plastic pollution. The study addresses a relatively underexplored source of marine plastic contamination compared to land-based inputs.
Assessment of Microplastic Abundance and Discharge from Greywater of Ships
Researchers quantified microplastics in ship greywater from showers, washbasins, laundry, and dishwashers and found that laundry sources produced the highest microplastic concentrations. Since greywater can be discharged to the sea without treatment in most areas, ships contribute substantially to marine microplastic pollution. The study supports the case for regulating greywater discharge from vessels.
Occurrence, characteristics, and removal of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants located on the Moroccan Atlantic: The case of Agadir metropolis
Researchers studied microplastic occurrence and removal in two wastewater treatment plants in Agadir, Morocco, finding that while treatment processes removed significant proportions of microplastics, effluents still released substantial quantities into the Atlantic Ocean.
Microplastic characterization and assessment of removal efficiency in an urban and industrial wastewater treatment plant with submarine emission discharge
Researchers evaluated how effectively a wastewater treatment plant in Morocco removes microplastics from combined urban and industrial wastewater. They found that while the plant's lamellar settling system removed a significant portion of microplastics, treated water discharged through the submarine outfall still contained measurable levels. The study underscores that current wastewater treatment technologies may not fully prevent microplastic pollution from reaching marine environments.
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.