Marine plastic pollution has always been a well-recognised environmental issue, with 9 to 14 million metric tons of plastic entering the oceans each year.
The question of whether microplastics in the Pantanal, South America, are a threat to humans is explored here in detail by Pierre Girard, PhD.1, 2, Érika de Faria, PhD (in progress)2, and Andressa C. Moreschi PhD (in progress)2.
Policy intervention needed as scientists discover the highest levels of microplastic on the seafloor via an international project tracking the 'missing' 99% of ocean plastics.
Pamela J. Lein, PhD, Professor at the University of California, Davis, sheds light on the plastic crisis and explains what the big deal is with microplastics.
The World Health Organization (WHO) calls for a further assessment on the effects of microplastics, following new research related to microplastics in drinking-water.
Dr Ruth Barnich, Principal Taxonomist at environmental consultancy Thomson Ecology explores tackling the issue of microplastics, with a focus on how we can better assess their impact on the environment and the food chain.
