Microplastics in sediments: A review of techniques, occurrence and effects

Type Article
Date 2015-10
Language English
Author(s) Van Cauwenberghe Lisbeth1, Devriese Lisa2, Galgani FrancoisORCID3, Robbens Johan2, Janssen Colin R.1
Affiliation(s) 1 : Univ Ghent, Lab Environm Toxicol & Aquat Ecol, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
2 : Inst Agr & Fisheries Res, Anim Sci Unit Aquat Environm & Qual, B-8400 Oostende, Belgium.
3 : IFREMER, LER PAC, Bastia, France.
Source Marine Environmental Research (0141-1136) (Elsevier Sci Ltd), 2015-10 , Vol. 111 , P. 5-17
DOI 10.1016/j.marenvres.2015.06.007
WOS© Times Cited 699
Note Particles in the Oceans: Implication for a safe marine environment
Keyword(s) Microplastics, Pellets, Sediment, Techniques, Direct effects, Indirect effects
Abstract Microplastics are omnipresent in the marine environment and sediments are hypothesized to be major sinks of these plastics. Here, over 100 articles spanning the last 50 year are reviewed with following objectives: (i) to evaluate current microplastic extraction techniques, (ii) to discuss the occurrence and worldwide distribution of microplastics in sediments, and (iii) to make a comprehensive assessment of the possible adverse effects of this type of pollution to marine organisms. Based on this review we propose future research needs and conclude that there is a clear need for a standardized techniques, unified reporting units and more realistic effect assessments.
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