Microfibres and bivalves: A review of their occurrence and analysis.

Environmental transformation and ecological implications of surface and subsurface microplastics in marine environments.

Aging enhances the ecological toxicity of polyethylene microplastics to marine medaka larvae (Oryzias melastigma).

Biodegradation of polyurethane by marine-derived Cladosporium oxysporum SCSIO 81042 under seawater conditions and its enhancement by chitosan nanoparticles as adjuvant.

Real-time visualization reveals copepod mediated microplastic flux.

Marine microplastics fuel long-range transport of radioactive nuclides: A review.

Coastal bays serve as reservoirs for microplastics from East China: insights from a mass budget model based on sedimentary findings.

The escalating global plastic pollution has led to the widespread presence of microplastics in marine environments, posing a significant risk by adsorbing organic pollutants such as tebuconazole (TEB). Ocean acidification, a consequence of increased carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions, is also altering the marine environment. This study investigates the adsorption behavior of TEB on various microplastic materials under conditions of seawater acidification, a critical environmental stressor. It was found that the adsorption capacity of TEB varies among different microplastics, with degradable microplastics Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) exhibiting higher adsorption capacity due to the presence of oxygen-containing functional groups. The sorption capacity followed the order of PBAT ≈ PBS > Polyamide (PA) > Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) > Polystyrene (PS) > Polyethylene (PE). The influence of salinity on adsorption was pronounced, with increased salt concentrations enhancing adsorption on certain microplastics (PA, PBAT, and PBS), likely due to the salting-out effect and charge neutralization. Acidification significantly affected the adsorption on nondegradable microplastics by altering the degree of TEB dissociation and microplastic surface potential, showing up to 15–30% higher capacity when exposed to CO 2 - or HCl-acidified environments, while degradable microplastics and PA showed minimal pH sensitivity, suggesting hydrogen bonding as the conduct adsorption mechanism, which makes them less affected by changes in pH. These findings provide insights into how microplastic properties and environmental changes affect the distribution and behavior of organic pollutants in marine settings, emphasizing the ecological risks linked to microplastic pollution and ocean acidification.

Microplastic pollution in the Indian Ocean: Fiber-dominated contamination and comparative bioaccumulation in Auxis thazard and Symplectoteuthis oualaniensis.

This review synthesizes existing literature on microplastics in marine ecosystems from various oceanic regions. Microplastics in marine environment originate from a range of sources, including land-based activities, rivers inputs and oceanic-based sources such as fishing, aquaculture, tourism and extreme oceanic events. Methodological and technical limitations, like sampling, identification and quantification, as well as data reporting and analysis, are key constraints in microplastics research, making it difficult to evaluate plastic debris volume in different marine environments. Microplastics have colonized diverse oceans, even polar areas. Their spatial distribution is influenced by their physicochemical properties as well as factors influencing their transport including wind driven waves, current and colonization by microorganisms. The most prevalent polymers in various oceanic systems are PE, PP, and PS, accounting for more than 60% of recovered microplastics. Microplastics affect both unicellular and multicellular marine organisms at various structural levels, causing significant disruptions that negatively impact their ecological and biological functions as well as their social behavior. This threatens both human and ecosystem health. Microplastics significantly impact marine ecosystem services, with total potential losses estimated to be between 1.18 and 2.16 trillion USD, accounting for about 2% of global GDP. Microplastics impair blue carbon ecosystems, reducing their carbon sequestration capacity and exacerbating the economic costs associated with climate regulation and coastal protection. The existing regulatory frameworks addressing plastic pollution are synthesized to identify gaps and highlight opportunities for enhancing and implementing more effective, evidence-based regulations that promote environmental sustainability.

Machine learning algorithm for modeling oxytetracycline adsorption kinetics on microplastics in marine environments

Microplastic and Vibrio harveyi co-exposure induces oxidative stress in big-belly seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis.

Microplastic pollution has become a prevalent environmental issue, with particles smaller than 5 millimeters infiltrating virtually every ecosystem. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of microplastic sources, formation mechanisms, quantification techniques, environmental impacts, toxicological effects, and remediation strategies. Microplastics originate from both primary and secondary sources. Primary microplastics include deliberately manufactured particles such as microbeads and synthetic fibers from textiles. Secondary microplastics result from the degradation of larger plastic debris due to environmental factors such as UV radiation, mechanical abrasion, and chemical weathering. Land-based activities, including industrial processes, agriculture, and improper waste disposal, contribute tremendously to microplastic pollution, with land-based sources responsible for 80–90% of marine microplastic contamination. Accurate quantification of microplastics is imperative for assessing pollution levels and informing reduction strategies. Techniques such as Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are commonly used to identify and characterize microplastic particles. Microplastics cause remarkable threats to aquatic ecosystems. They can physically damage organisms through ingestion, resulting in blockages, malnutrition, and death. Moreover, microplastics serve as vectors for injurious chemicals, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which can leach into the environment and accumulate in the food chain. The presence of microplastics in marine environments disrupts habitats and affects biodiversity, with potential long-term consequences for ecosystem stability. The ingestion of microplastics has been linked to different adverse health effects in humans and wildlife. In humans, microplastics have been detected in biological samples like feces, saliva, blood, and placenta, raising concerns about potential health risks. Animal studies show that microplastics can cause oxidative stress, inflammation, and genotoxicity, even at low concentrations. Tackling microplastic pollution requires a multifaceted approach circumscribing prevention, removal, and mitigation. Microplastic pollution is a complex and escalating issue that necessitates concerted global efforts. Effectual management requires a combination of reducing plastic generation, improving waste management, advancing remediation technologies, and conducting further research to comprehend the full extent of microplastic impacts on health and ecosystems. Synergetic actions at the international, national, and local levels are crucial to mitigate the prevalent threat caused by microplastics and protect environmental and public health.

The United Nations (UN) estimate that around 75-199 million tons of plastic is floating in the world's oceans today. Continuous unintentional disposal of plastic waste in marine environments has and continues to cause significant biological impacts to various marine organisms ranging from mild difficulties in swimming or superficial damage to critical organ malfunctions and mortality. Over time, plastics in these environments degrade into microplastics which are now acknowledged as a pervasive harmful pollutant found in the cryosphere, atmosphere and hydrosphere. In response to this issue, the production of bespoke biodegradable bioplastics derived from renewable resources, such as vegetable oils, starch and plant fibres, is emerging to mitigate our reliance on environmentally persistent conventional fossil fuel-based plastics. While bioplastics degrade more readily than conventional plastics, they present new challenges, including leaching of toxic chemical additives and plasticizers into the environment. Consequently, various techniques have been explored in the search for sustainable plasticizers, from cheap, non-toxic compounds, such as vegetable oils and sugars to hyperbranched structures with limited migration. This article seeks to explain the intricate relationship between the problem of microplastics in marine environments and the strategies that have been investigated to address it thus far.

The role of marine microalgae in the transmission of HOCs from contaminated microplastics in the aqueous environment.

Microplastics have emerged as a significant environmental concern, affecting marine ecosystems from primary producers like phytoplankton to apex predators such as marine mammals. These microscopic plastic particles originate from the breakdown of larger plastic materials, synthetic fiber wear, and cosmetic products, contributing to widespread oceanic contamination. Since 1950, global plastic production has exceeded 10 billion tons, with increasing annual output exacerbating pollution levels. Microplastics pose ecotoxicological risks, potentially impacting aquatic biodiversity and human health through bioaccumulation in the food chain. Research funded by the Joint Programming Initiative Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans (JPI Oceans) explores their distribution in tropical and temperate waters, providing crucial insights for informed policymaking. This study examines the occurrence, types, and effects of microplastics in marine environments, highlighting their role in ecosystem disruption. To mitigate plastic pollution, efforts must focus on recycling, repurposing, and fostering innovative alternatives to single-use plastics, ensuring long-term sustainability for marine ecosystems.

Marine plastic waste represents, in recent decades, a major threat to the environment, as plastics degrade into microplastics (MPs) that a wide range of organisms ingest. Filter-feeding taxa, including bivalves, serve as indicators of environmental contamination due to their ingestion of MPs. This study investigated (a) the bioaccumulation and depuration capacities of Ostrea edulis exposed to MPs and (b) the identification of reference genes for assessing stress responses in bivalves under MP exposure. The experimental protocol comprised a 28-day exposure to MPs followed by a 7-day depuration period. The mean concentration of accumulated MPs was 5.31 ± 0.86 particles/g, comprising filaments (79%), beads (19%), and fragments (2%). Depuration reduced MP concentrations by 69% after 24 h and by an additional 23% after 120 h. In conclusion, a two-day depuration period significantly reduced MPs in oysters intended for human consumption. Additionally, the molecular analysis identified EF-1α, GAPDH, and L5 as stable reference markers for MPs exposure experiments, supporting the development of a monitoring toolkit for MPs in marine environments.

Marine coatings used on merchant ships have recently emerged as a source of microplastics in marine environments. Marine coatings encompass all paints and coatings applied to various parts of a ship, primarily for anti-corrosion, antifouling anti-skid, heat-resistance, and cosmetic enhancement. However, marine coatings on merchant ships have evaded classification and were not included in the microplastic literature until recently. The purpose of this study is to examine the current state of the absence of a unified definition on a global scale, identify the factors that contribute to the exclusion of marine coatings under the microplastic classification and to analyse the thematic mapping and evolution of the keywords “definition”, “classification”, and “paint” or “marine coatings” in the field of microplastics. We conducted science mapping analysis using Bibliometrix software to examine 1078 papers and carried out a systematic narrative literature review to examine the current state of a standardised definition of microplastics and whether the absence of such impedes a unified interpretation and study of microplastics from marine coatings. Based on the science mapping analysis, this research indicates that “definition” and “paint” have become important keywords in the domain of microplastic research lately, playing a vital role in structuring the field. Meanwhile, the systematic narrative literature review unveiled that the absence of a standardised definition remains a subject of considerable debate, resulting in marine coatings evading classification as microplastics. With this study, we aim to advocate for the establishment of more precise guidelines and policies pertaining to microplastic pollution in marine environments and to promote the adoption of a unified approach towards the definition and classification of microplastics for the purposes of legislation and research. This will also path the way for the collection of better data on microplastic emissions from marine coatings, thereby closing the knowledge gap in this area.

Seaweeds contribute to the energy input in marine communities and affect the chemical makeup, species composition, nutrient availability, pH, and seawater oxygen levels. However, the annual introduction of 28.5 million tons of plastic waste into oceans makes up 85% of marine litter, which is expected to grow fourfold in the next 25years, causing a rise in concern for human health and the environment. Microplastics are small plastic particles of 1-5mm that are either manufactured or formed due to the degradation of large plastic materials. This study analyzes the prevalence of microplastics in marine environments, their interaction with marine macro- and microalgae, environmental implications, genetic responses to microplastic exposure, and potential strategies for mitigating microplastic pollution. The leading causes identified were high plastic production rate (390 million tons annually), increased usage, inefficient waste management, meager recycling (9% is recycled), slow degradation (up to 1200years), easy distribution via oceanic currents, and industrialization that has led to the accumulation of microplastics in the marine ecosystems. Therefore, it is recommended that the waste management system be strengthened, focusing on recycling, repurposing, reducing single-use plastics, and redirecting plastic waste away from water bodies. Developing reliable detection technologies, studying the long-term effects of microplastics in marine ecosystems, and collaborating with the public and private sectors may be encouraged. Further investigations on microplastic-seaweed interaction, the bioremediation potential of various species, and the involved molecular mechanisms may lead to new strategies for reducing microplastic loads in marine ecosystems.

Marine microplastics, both on beaches and in open seas worldwide, are among the most pressing environmental challenges. These pollutants not only harm ecosystems but also impose significant economic burdens on authorities, necessitating frequent and costly cleanup operations, especially along coastal areas. Rapid, efficient methods for detecting, quantifying, and identifying microplastics are essential for pinpointing pollution sources and devising effective remediation strategies. However, these tasks currently rely on sophisticated and expensive equipment. This study presents the development of an innovative, cost-effective microplastic sensor, the result of three years of research and testing. The sensor, equipped with three infrared-sensitive photodiodes, achieves classification accuracies of approximately 90% for the most common floating microplastics in marine environments, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. The redesigned sensor casing ensures durability and adaptability for diverse applications, including monitoring microplastics in aquaculture facilities, lakes, and confined waters. Moreover, its compatibility with drifters or boats makes it suitable for regular monitoring of marine plastic pollution along coastlines and open-sea transects.