Sources, quantities and distribution of persistent plastics in the marine environment

Abstract

Persistent plastics are widely distributed at the surface and coastal margins of the global oceans, but many uncertainties remain about their specific sources, quantities and distribution. Awareness of the problem of plastic pollution has grown only recently. Thus, systematic observations have not been either extensive enough or long enough to document the situation adequately. Major sources of these materials are from land, vessels and beachgoers. This paper reviews recent literature on the sources, amounts and distribution of various types of plastics in the marine environment.