Cited by 6,023Microplastics and Plastic PollutionPharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental ImpactsOil Spill Detection and Mitigation

Microplastics as contaminants in the marine environment: A review

Open access
Cole, Matthew, Lindeque, Pennie, Halsband, Claudia, Galloway, Tamara S.·2011·Marine Pollution Bulletin

Abstract

Since the mass production of plastics began in the 1940s, microplastic contamination of the marine environment has been a growing problem. Here, a review of the literature has been conducted with the following objectives: (1) to summarise the properties, nomenclature and sources of microplastics; (2) to discuss the routes by which microplastics enter the marine environment; (3) to evaluate the methods by which microplastics are detected in the marine environment; (4) to assess spatial and temporal trends of microplastic abundance; and (5) to discuss the environmental impact of microplastics. Microplastics are both abundant and widespread within the marine environment, found in their highest concentrations along coastlines and within mid-ocean gyres. Ingestion of microplastics has been demonstrated in a range of marine organisms, a process which may facilitate the transfer of chemical additives or hydrophobic waterborne pollutants to biota. We conclude by highlighting key future research areas for scientists and policymakers.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2011.09.025

Cites

81 of 81 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • To date, reviews on microplastics in the environment have focused on summarizing properties, sources, fate and occurrence, concentrations, analytical methods and effects on organisms.

    “To date, reviews on MPs in the environment have focused on summarizing properties (e.g.Karimi, 2017), sources, fate and occurrence (e.g.Cole et al., 2011;Andrady, 2011;do Sul and Costa, 2014;Auta et al., 2017;Cesa et al., 2017;Horton et al., 2017), concentrations (Horton et al., 2017), analytical methods (e.g.Cole et al., 2011;Hong et al., 2017) and effects on organisms (e.g.Cole et al., 2011;Wr”
  • Micro and nanoplastics can originate from primary industrial sources or from the degradation of macroplastics.

    “Micro and nanoplastics can originate from primary industrial sources or from the degradation of macroplastics (particle size: >5 mm).1,4”

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Authors
Cole, M., Lindeque, P., Halsband, C., & Galloway, T. S.
Affiliations
  • Plymouth Marine Laboratory (GB)
  • Akvaplan-niva (NO)
  • University of Exeter (GB)
Corresponding author
Cole, Matthew
Venue
Marine Pollution Bulletin
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2011-12
Volume
62
Issue
12
Pages
2588-2597
ISSN
0025-326X (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2133892291
Cited by
6,023
References
81
Citations by year
2026: 472 · 2025: 631 · 2024: 802 · 2023: 757 · 2022: 761 · 2021: 697 · 2020: 650 · 2019: 416 · 2018: 294 · 2017: 171 · 2016: 139 · 2015: 117 · 2014: 57 · 2013: 39 · 2012: 17
FWCI
33.62
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Marine Pollution Bulletin (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion)
  • Open Research Exeter (University of Exeter) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
Funders
Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Rural Affairs, UK (ME5413)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Oil Spill Detection and Mitigation
Keywords
microplastics, marine pollution, microplastic sources, microplastic detection methods, environmental impact of microplastics
MeSH terms
Animals, Environmental Monitoring, Oceans and Seas, Particle Size, Plastics, Seawater, Time Factors, Water Pollutants, Chemical, Food Chain

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