http://faculty.wwu.edu/~shulld/ESCI%20101/Andrady2011Plastics.pdf

Microplastics in the marine environment

This review of 68 studies compares the methodologies used for the identification and quantification of microplastics from the marine environment. Three main sampling strategies were identified: selective, volume-reduced, and bulk sampling. Most sediment samples came from sandy beaches at the high tide line, and most seawater samples were taken at the sea surface using neuston nets. Four steps were distinguished during sample processing: density separation, filtration, sieving, and visual sorting of microplastics. Visual sorting was one of the most commonly used methods for the identification of microplastics (using type, shape, degradation stage, and color as criteria). Chemical and physical characteristics (e.g., specific density) were also used. The most reliable method to identify the chemical composition of microplastics is by infrared spectroscopy. Most studies reported that plastic fragments were polyethylene and polypropylene polymers. Units commonly used for abundance estimates are “items per m2” ...

/pdf/microplastics-in-the-marine-environment-a-review-of-the-fg3wzn5tjn.pdf

Microplastics in the Marine Environment: A Review of the Methods Used for Identification and Quantification

http://resodema.org/publications/publication9.pdf

The physical impacts of microplastics on marine organisms: a review.

Microplastics are a pollutant of environmental concern Their presence in food destined for human consumption and in air samples has been reported Thus, microplastic exposure via diet or inhalation could occur, the human health effects of which are unknown The current review article draws upon cross-disciplinary scientific literature to discuss and evaluate the potential human health impacts of microplastics and outlines urgent areas for future research Key literature up to September 2016 relating to accumulation, particle toxicity, and chemical and microbial contaminants was critically examined Although microplastics and human health is an emerging field, complementary existing fields indicate potential particle, chemical and microbial hazards If inhaled or ingested, microplastics may accumulate and exert localized particle toxicity by inducing or enhancing an immune response Chemical toxicity could occur due to the localized leaching of component monomers, endogenous additives, and adsorbed enviro

Plastic and Human Health: A Micro Issue?

Distribution and importance of microplastics in the marine environment: A review of the sources, fate, effects, and potential solutions

International Pellet Watch: Global monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in coastal waters. 1. Initial phase data on PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs

Predictable pollution: an assessment of weather balloons and associated impacts on the marine environment - an example for the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Citizen scientists without access to oceanic research vessels can gain a sense of the state of our nearby seas and oceans and the human impact on them at accessible coastal locations. Observation and analysis of the debris coming ashore can improve our perception of the problem and our understanding of the processes at work. Accumulating data from beach cleanups provides a growing knowledge base for conducting public education and influencing changes of practice at both individual, community, industry and government levels. Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society, under its Australian Marine Debris Initiative, launched The Far North Queensland Marine Debris Project in 2007 engaging volunteers, communities, government and industries in the mitigation of marine debris between the Torres Strait Islands and Gladstone.

Wally Smith

Papers

International Pellet Watch: Global monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in coastal waters. 1. Initial phase data on PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs

Predictable pollution: an assessment of weather balloons and associated impacts on the marine environment - an example for the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Far North Queensland Marine Debris Project