Microplastics – News and Features

Microplastic pollution in marine environments is concentrated most highly in coastal habitats, especially fjords and estuaries, according to a new review.

A new study has found that wet wipes and sanitary towels are an underestimated source of white microplastic fibers in the marine environment.

As concern grows among environmentalists and consumers about micro- and nanoplastics in the oceans and in seafood, scientist provide direct evidence of nanoplastic accumulation in terrestrial plants too.

A study investigating the impact of wash cycle times has shown the environmental and aesthetic benefits of shorter, cooler washes.

Neutrophils may be central to immune system overreaction in COVID-19, but researchers have found that rod-shaped particles can take them out of circulation.

Microplastic ocean pollution is gradually receiving more attention but there is still so much that we don’t know. eXXpedition, a not-for-profit all-female team, are hoping to address some of these questions. We caught up with two of the expedition crew that are sailing around the world, investigating plastic pollution, gathering samples for scientific analysis and helping to educate people.

A new study has confirmed and quantified, for the first time, the presence of microplastics in terrestrial and aquatic birds of prey in Florida, including hawks, ospreys and owls.

Commercially important seafood species are at greater risk of microplastic contamination depending how they clump together in the marine environment, research suggests.

Scientists have come up with a new method to track plastic emissions from inland areas to sea. This method is useful to identify the "hotspots" of plastic emission and can even help to implement appropriate measures to avoid plastic pollution.

The highest levels of microplastic ever recorded on the seafloor have been found int the Tyrrhenian Sea, with up to 1.9 million pieces in a thin layer covering just one square metre.