A2 Refereed review article in a scientific journal
Interactions Between Microorganisms and Marine Microplastics: A Call for Research
Authors: Harrison JP, Sapp M, Schratzberger M, Osborn AM
Publisher: MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOC INC
Publication year: 2011
Journal: Marine Technology Society Journal
Journal name in source: MARINE TECHNOLOGY SOCIETY JOURNAL
Journal acronym: MAR TECHNOL SOC J
Volume: 45
Issue: 2
First page : 12
Last page: 20
Number of pages: 9
ISSN: 0025-3324
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4031/MTSJ.45.2.2
Abstract
Synthetic thermoplastics constitute the majority by percentage of anthropogenic debris entering the Earth's oceans. Microplastics (<= 5-mm fragments) are rapidly emerging pollutants in marine ecosystems that may transport potentially toxic chemicals into macrobial food webs. This commentary evaluates our knowledge concerning the interactions between marine organisms and microplastics and identifies the lack of microbial research into microplastic contamination as a significant knowledge gap. Microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, and picoeukaryotes) in coastal sediments represent a key category of life with reference to understanding and mitigating the potential adverse effects of microplastics due to their role as drivers of the global functioning of the marine biosphere and as putative mediators of the biodegradation of plastic associated additives contaminants, or even the plastics themselves. As such research into the formation, structure, and activities of microplastic-associated microbial biofilms is essential in order to underpin management decisions aimed at safeguarding the ecological integrity of our seas and oceans.
Synthetic thermoplastics constitute the majority by percentage of anthropogenic debris entering the Earth's oceans. Microplastics (<= 5-mm fragments) are rapidly emerging pollutants in marine ecosystems that may transport potentially toxic chemicals into macrobial food webs. This commentary evaluates our knowledge concerning the interactions between marine organisms and microplastics and identifies the lack of microbial research into microplastic contamination as a significant knowledge gap. Microorganisms (bacteria, archaea, and picoeukaryotes) in coastal sediments represent a key category of life with reference to understanding and mitigating the potential adverse effects of microplastics due to their role as drivers of the global functioning of the marine biosphere and as putative mediators of the biodegradation of plastic associated additives contaminants, or even the plastics themselves. As such research into the formation, structure, and activities of microplastic-associated microbial biofilms is essential in order to underpin management decisions aimed at safeguarding the ecological integrity of our seas and oceans.
UTU Research Portal