Microplastics as an Environmental Risk
Keywords:
microplastics, occurrence and behaviour, main sources, ecotoxicity, food chainAbstract
Microplastics are abundant and widespread within the marine environment, being found in their highest concentrations along coastlines and within mid-ocean gyres. Ingestion of microplastics has been demonstrated in a range of marine organisms. This process may facilitate the transfer of chemical additives or hydrophobic waterborne pollutants to biota. This review discusses the mechanisms of generation and potential impacts of microplastics in the environment.