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Cited by 1,316Microplastics and Plastic PollutionEnvironmental Toxicology and EcotoxicologyPharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts

Studies of the Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Organisms: What Do We Know and Where Should We Focus Our Efforts in the Future?

Open access
de Sá, Luís Carlos, Oliveira, Miguel, Ribeiro, Francisca, Rocha, Thiago Lopes, Futter, Martyn Norman·2018·Science of The Total Environment
DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.207
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Abstract

The effects of microplastics (MP) on aquatic organisms are currently the subject of intense research. Here, we provide a critical perspective on published studies of MP ingestion by aquatic biota. We summarize the available research on MP presence, behaviour and effects on aquatic organisms monitored in the field and on laboratory studies of the ecotoxicological consequences of MP ingestion. We consider MP polymer type, shape, size as well as group of organisms studied and type of effect reported. Specifically, we evaluate whether or not the available laboratory studies of MP are representative of the types of MPs found in the environment and whether or not they have reported on relevant groups or organisms. Analysis of the available data revealed that 1) despite their widespread detection in field-based studies, polypropylene, polyester and polyamide particles were under-represented in laboratory studies; 2) fibres and fragments (800-1600 μm) are the most common form of MPs reported in animals collected from the field; 3) to date, most studies have been conducted on fish; knowledge is needed about the effects of MPs on other groups of organisms, especially invertebrates. Furthermore, there are significant mismatches between the types of MP most commonly found in the environment or reported in field studies and those used in laboratory experiments. Finally, there is an overarching need to understand the mechanism of action and ecotoxicological effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of MPs on aquatic organism health.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This review surveys 157 articles and 612 studies on microplastics in aquatic organisms, finding research skewed toward fish and small crustaceans, PE/PS polymers, and laboratory concentrations often higher than environmental levels. It highlights mismatches between field-detected microplastic shapes, sizes, and polymers and those used in laboratory ecotoxicology, and calls for more environmentally relevant, freshwater, and mechanism-focused work.

Key findings

  • Across field and laboratory studies, the most commonly reported microplastics were PE (23%) and PS (22%), followed by PP (12%) and PES (9%); fish were the most studied organism group (44%), followed by crustacea (21% combined), molluscs (14%), and annelid worms (6%).
  • Field and laboratory studies were roughly balanced (48% field, 52% laboratory), but fish dominated field studies (23% of all studies) while small crustaceans dominated laboratory studies (17%); 24% of field studies did not report the typology of microplastics present in biota.
  • Laboratory studies most often used spherical microplastics (17%) and particles <50 μm (75 of 169 laboratory studies where size was reported), whereas field-collected organisms most often contained fibres (23%) and fragments (21%), with 800–1600 μm and 400–800 μm each reported in 12% of field studies.
  • Among 130 studies reporting ecotoxicological effects, crustaceans were most studied (45%), followed by fish (21%), molluscs (18%), annelid worms (7%), echinoderms (7%), and rotifers (2%); ecotoxicological studies used marine organisms 77% of the time versus freshwater organisms 23%.

Methods

  • A bibliographic survey was conducted on November 22, 2017 using the Thompson Reuters ISI Web of Science database with the keyword “microplastic*”; 1,637 candidate publications were identified and 157 were retained for analysis.
  • Retained studies were summarized by microplastic type, shape, size range, organism group, and ecotoxicological effect; a “study” was defined as an interaction of organism group, MP type, MP shape, and MP size, yielding 612 studies from the 157 articles.
  • The review tabulated and summarized published field and laboratory studies; no attempt was made to separate direct ecotoxicological effects from organism responses associated with starvation following MP ingestion.

Limitations

  • Stated in the paper: laboratory studies often use unrealistically high MP concentrations; 24% of field studies did not report MP typology; freshwater organisms are under-studied; there is a possible publication bias against negative results; and analytical challenges limit understanding of whether MPs adsorb contaminants once inside organisms.
  • Stated in the paper: no attempt was made to separate direct ecotoxicological effects from starvation-related responses, and the review did not include plants or microbes.
  • Evident from the text: the review relies on a single database and a single search date, and its findings depend on the author-defined classification criteria and the available published literature.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.207

Cites

139 of 139 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 89 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    The 157 retained articles documented a total of 612 studies.

    “Our search identified 157 published, peer-reviewed articles which documented a total of 612 studies (listed in supplementary information).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    There were relatively few studies of polyethylene in vertebrates other than fish.

    “There were relatively few studies of PE in vertebrates other than fish.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Fish are the most studied organism group in the field (23% of all studies).

    “Fish are the most studied organism group in the field (23% of all studies)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The surveyed publications identified an equivalent number of studies conducted in the field (48%) and laboratory (52%).

    “The surveyed publications identified an equivalent number of studies conducted in the field (48%) and laboratory (52%) (Fig. 3A).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The most common types of MPs reported in biota collected during field sampling include PE (17%), PP (14%), PES (13%), PA (10%) and PS MPs (9%).

    “The most common types of MPs reported in biota collected during field sampling include PE (17%), PP (14%), PES (13%), PA (10%) and PS MPs (9%) (Fig. S1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 20
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 4
  • May combine two claims. 48
  • Borderline: one of the tests for a substantial claim is unclear. 1

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingown data

    A total of 1637 candidate publications were identified from the Web of Science search.

    “A total of 1637 candidate publications were identified.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Across field and laboratory studies, fish were the most commonly studied group of organisms (44%), followed by crustacea (21% for large and small crustacea combined), molluscs (14%) and annelid worms (6%).

    “Fish were the most commonly studied group of organisms (44%), followed by crustacea (21% for large and small crustacea combined), molluscs (14%) and annelid worms (6%) (Fig. 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Of the 1637 candidate publications, 157 were retained for further analysis.

    “Of the 1637 candidate publications, 157 were retained for further analysis.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The presence of polyethylene was reported less commonly in other groups of organisms, with 12 studies on molluscs, seven on small crustaceans and four on annelids.

    “The presence of PE was reported less commonly in other groups of organisms, with 12 studies on molluscs, seven on small crustaceans and four on annelids (Fig. 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The types of microplastics most commonly reported across field and laboratory studies are polyethylene (23%) and polystyrene (22%), followed by polypropylene (12%) and polyester (9%).

    “The types of MPs most commonly reported across field and laboratory studies include PE (23%) and PS (22%), followed by PP (12%) and PES (9%) (Fig. 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Effects of PS MPs have been reported in studies of fish (n = 17) and small crustaceans (n = 19).

    “Effects of PS MPs have been reported in studies of fish (n = 17) and small crustaceans (n = 19) (Fig. 2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Polyethylene was the most common type of microplastic studied in fish, reported in 34 studies, or 12% of the total number of studies identified.

    “Polyethylene was the most common type of MP studied in fish, it was reported in 34 studies, or 12% of the total number of studies identified.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Only 8% of the laboratory studies have been performed with PP MPs whereas PS and PE MPs were used in 40% and 33% of the studies respectively.

    “In fact, only 8% of the laboratory studies have been performed with PP MPs whereas PS and PE MPs were used in 40% and 33% of the studies respectively (Fig. S1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The MP size used or reported in published studies varies and is related to MP shape, with almost every shape having been reported across all size ranges.

    “The MP size used or reported in published studies also varies and is related to MP shape (Fig. S2), with almost every shape having been reported across all size ranges (Fig. S2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The size ranges 800-1600 μm (12%) and 400-800 μm (12%) were the most commonly reported in animals collected from the field, followed by 200-400 μm (11%).

    “The size ranges 800-1600 μm (12%) and 400-800 μm (12%) were the most commonly reported in animals collected from the field, followed by 200-400 μm (11%) (Fig. S2).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Fibres and fragments were reported in 23% and 21% of studies, respectively, followed by spheres (11%), film (8%) and pellets (4%).

    “Fibres and fragments were reported in 23% and 21% of studies, respectively, followed by spheres (11%), film (8%) and pellets (4%) (Fig. S2).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In laboratory studies, spherical MPs have been the most commonly used shape (17%) followed by fibres, fragments and unspecified particles (all 3%).

    “However, in laboratory studies, spherical MPs have been the most commonly used shape (17%) followed by fibres, fragments and unspecified particles (all 3%) (Fig. S2).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    While field studies generally reflect reported plastic production rates, these polymers were not studied with similar frequency in laboratory assays.

    “While field studies generally reflect reported plastic production rates, these polymers were not studied with similar frequency in laboratory assays (Fig. S1).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Among the reports of MPs in marine organisms, fish are the most commonly studied group (25%), followed by molluscs (15%), small crustacea (11%), large crustacea (8%), annelid worms (6%), mammals and echinoderms (both 3%), birds and cnidaria (both 2%), porifera, reptiles and rotifers (all b 1%).

    “Among the reports of MPs in marine organisms, fish are the most commonly studied group (25%), followed by molluscs (15%), small crustacea (11%), large crustacea (8%) annelid worms (6%), mammals and echinoderms (both 3%), birds and cnidaria (both 2%), porifera, reptiles and rotifers (all b 1%) (Fig. 3B).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Multiple freshwater studies only exist for fish (13% overall, 56% of the freshwater studies) and small crustacea (8% overall, 35% of the freshwater studies).

    “Multiple freshwater studies only exist for fish (13% overall, 56% of the freshwater studies) and small crustacea (8% overall, 35% of the freshwater studies).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims. The quote only partly states this claim.

    Findingcitation

    Other commonly studied species include the freshwater fish Danio rerio (7%), the common goby, a marine fish Pomatoschistus microps (6%), the marine blue mussel M. edulis (5%), and the annelid lugworm Arenicola marina (5%).

    “Other commonly studied species include the freshwater fish Danio rerio (7%) (Khan et al., 2015;Lu et al., 2016;Chen et al., 2017aChen et al., , 2017b;;Sleight et al., 2017;Veneman et al., 2017;Lei et al., 2018)”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Crustaceans were the most commonly studied taxonomic group (45%), followed by fish (21%), molluscs (18%), annelid worms (7%), echinoderms (7%) and rotifers (2%).

    “Crustaceans were the most commonly studied taxonomic group (45%), followed by fish (21%), molluscs (18%), annelid worms (7%), echinoderms (7%) and rotifers (2%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    Documented effects of MPs on aquatic organisms include reduction of feeding activity, oxidative stress, genotoxicity, neurotoxicity, growth delay, reduction of reproductive fitness, and ultimately death.

    “Overall, documented effects of MPs on aquatic organisms include reduction of feeding activity (Besseling et al., 2013;de Sá et al., 2015), oxidative stress (Della Torre et al., 2014), genotoxicity (Della Torre et al., 2014), neurotoxicity (Oliveira et al., 2012(Oliveira et al., , 2013;;Luis et al., 2015;Ribeiro et al., 2017), growth delay (Della Torre et al., 2014;Au et al., 2015;Redondo-Hasselerh”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Findingown data

    Slightly more than half the studies (54%) were conducted using PE MPs.

    “Slightly more than half the studies (54%) were conducted using PE MPs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Most studies of interactive effects had been performed on fish (63%), with some studies of molluscs (19%), crustacea (14%) and annelid worms (5%).

    “Most studies had been performed on fish (63%), with some studies of molluscs (19%), crustacea (14%) and annelid worms (5%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Polystyrene (29%), PVC (19%) and PP (4%) MPs were also reported.

    “Polystyrene (29%), PVC (19%) and PP (4%) MPs were also reported.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Studies examined the combined effects of MPs with legacy POPs (64%), endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs; 17%), metals (10%), antibiotics (7%) and herbicides (2%).

    “Studies examined the combined effects of MPs with legacy POPs (64%), endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs; 17%), metals (10%), antibiotics (7%) and herbicides (2%).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Findingnone given

    The effects of MPs on freshwater organisms are much less well known.

    “However, the effects of MPs on freshwater organisms are much less well known.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    PP MPs are manufactured in large scale and detected in aquatic organisms in higher quantities than PS.

    “since these particles, namely PP, are manufactured in large scale and detected in aquatic organisms in the higher quantities than PS”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    The occurrence and accumulation of MPs in the aquatic environment is an undeniable fact.

    “The occurrence and accumulation of MPs in the aquatic environment is nowadays an undeniable fact.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    A large number of organisms are exposed to MPs.

    “It is also undeniable that a large number of organisms are exposed to these particles and that this exposure may cause a variety of effects and threaten individuals of many different species, the ecosystems they live in and, ultimately, humans.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Findingreasoning

    The potential deleterious effects of MPs on aquatic biota have been recognized by the scientific community, as demonstrated by the increasing number of studies in recent years focusing primarily on marine biota.

    “The potential deleterious effects of MPs on aquatic biota have been recognized by the scientific community as demonstrated by the increasing number of studies in the last years focussing primarily on marine biota.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Results suggest a knowledge gap on the effects of PE MPs on organisms beyond fish and PS MPs on all groups of organisms except fish and small crustaceans.

    “Overall, results suggest a knowledge gap on the effects of PE MPs on other organisms beyond fish and PS MPs on all groups of organisms except fish and small crustaceans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Ingestion of polyethylene by fish is widespread and crosses habitat preferences.

    “Ingestion of PE by fish is both widespread and crosses habitat preferences.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lusher et al. (2013) source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Mechanisms of microplastic action on organism health are still poorly understood.

    “Mechanisms of MP action on organism health still poorly understood”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PS MPs have been detected in marine copepods Acartia spp. and Eurytemora affinis, the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer, and the crab Uca rapax.

    “Taxonomic groups in which PS MPs were detected include the marine copepods Acartia spp.and Eurytemora affinis (Setälä et al., 2014), large crustaceans such as the estuarine mysid Neomysis integer (Setälä et al., 2014) and the crab Uca rapax (Brennecke et al., 2015).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Setälä et al., 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Brennecke et al., 2015 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Study design and conductnone given

    No attempt was made to separate direct ecotoxicological effects from organism responses associated with starvation following microplastic ingestion.

    “No attempt was made to separate direct ecotoxicological effects from e.g.organism responses associated with starvation following MP ingestion.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Study design and conductnone given

    In Sections 3.2.1-3.2.3 where microplastic effects are described, only studies which report microplastic effects on organisms were considered.

    “In Sections 3.2.1-3.2.3 where MPs effects are described, only studies which report MP effects on organisms were considered.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Over one third of fish examined by Lusher et al. (2013) had ingested microplastics, with pelagic and benthic fish displaying similar gut contents.

    “For example, Lusher et al. (2013) showed that over one third of fish examined in their study had ingested MPs, with pelagic and benthic fish displaying similar gut contents, suggesting either a lack of selectivity or widespread presence of PE in both the water column and sediments.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lusher et al. (2013) source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Borderline on S4 (based): unclear from the text.

    Interpretationnone given

    Most laboratory studies of microplastic effects are conducted at unrealistically high microplastic concentrations.

    “Most lab studies are conducted at unrealistically high MP concentrations”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    The widespread distribution of MPs in aquatic ecosystems and their broad range of physicochemical properties makes a wide range of aquatic organisms potentially susceptible to these emerging contaminants.

    “The widespread distribution of MPs in aquatic ecosystems (Lusher et al., 2013) and broad range of physicochemical properties makes a wide range of aquatic organisms potentially susceptible to these emerging contaminants.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lusher et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Effect studies may be biased towards a particular type of polymer without due consideration of reported occurrence in organisms and the environment, estimated release to the environment and bioavailability.

    “there is a possibility that effect studies may be biased towards to a particular type of polymer without due consideration of reported occurrence in organisms and the environment, estimated release to the environment and bioavailability.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The density of PS is 1040-1090 kg m-3 and the density of PE is 910-940 kg m-3.

    “Nizzetto et al. (2016) report densities of 1040-1090 kg m -3 for PS and 910-940 kg m -3 for PE.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Nizzetto et al., 2016

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    PS MPs may be available not only in the water column, but also in the sediment, representing a higher risk for both pelagic and demersal organisms.

    “The density of PS MPs is usually greater than PE MPs, so they may be available not only in the water column, but also in the sediment (Browne et al., 2007), representing a higher risk for both pelagic and demersal organisms”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Browne et al., 2007 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    PE MPs have a lower density, presenting a higher availability in the water column and potentially posing a higher risk for pelagic fish.

    “while PE MPs have a lower density presenting a higher availability in the water column and potentially pose a higher risk for pelagic fish (Phuong et al., 2016).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Phuong et al., 2016 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The difficulty in sampling smaller particles from environmental media may reflect the scarcity of reports of MP with a size b 50 μm, as the size of MPs in biological samples collected in the environment may be biased by sampling and detection methodology.

    “This may reflect the difficulty in sampling smaller particles from environmental media as the size of MPs in biological samples collected in the environment may be biased by sampling and detection methodology that seem to contribute to the scarcity of reports of MP with a size b 50 μm.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Differences in the groups of organisms studied may be the result of difficulties in maintaining and handling large and/or long-lived organisms under controlled conditions.

    “Such differences may be the result of difficulties in maintaining and handling large and/or long-lived organisms under controlled conditions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The properties of the MP parent material are likely to influence its physical behaviour in the environment, its potential to adsorb environmental contaminants, its bioavailability, and its effects on organism health.

    “the properties of the MP parent material are likely to influence both its physical behaviour in the environment (e.g.presence in the water column or in sediments), the potential to adsorb environmental contaminants, and its bioavailability”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Andrady and Neal, 2009

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Zarfl and Matthies, 2010

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Antunes et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Freshwater organisms may encounter more highly contaminated sediments, increasing the likelihood of synergistic effects of MPs with other environmental pollutants.

    “Furthermore, they may encounter more highly contaminated sediments, increasing the likelihood of synergistic effects of MPs with other environmental pollutants.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Dead copepods can have adhered PS fragments, which could contribute to the vertical transport of this type of MP.

    “Cole et al. (2013) reported that dead copepods can have adhered PS fragments, which could contribute to the vertical transport of this type of MP.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cole et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PP is one of the most produced and demanded types of plastic, with about 20% of European production, much more than the 7% of production devoted to PS.

    “considering that it is one of the most produced and demanded types of plastic, with about 20% of European production, much more than the 7% of production devoted to PS (Plastics Europe, 2017).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Plastics Europe, 2017

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    This detection frequency largely reflects rates of plastic production, except that PS plastics are produced in greater amounts than either PES or PA.

    “This detection frequency largely reflects rates of plastic production, except that PS plastics are produced in greater amounts than either PES or PA.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PS MPs decrease survival and fecundity of Calanus helgolandicus.

    “Studies of small crustaceans include those by Cole et al. (2015) and Lee et al. (2013) who observed a decrease in survival and fecundity of the marine copepods Calanus helgolandicus (24 h and 216 h; 20 μm; 6.5-7.5 × 10 4 particles L -1 )”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Cole et al., 2015 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Fish are generally intermediate/top predators and may ingest MPs either directly or through consumption of prey containing MPs.

    “Fish are generally intermediate/top predators (Oliveira et al., 2012(Oliveira et al., , 2013;;Pochberger et al., 2014;de Sá et al., 2015) and may ingest MPs either directly or through consumption of prey containing MPs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Oliveira et al., 2012 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Pochberger et al., 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites de Sá et al., 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Premisecitation

    PE MPs do not affect survival of Tripneustes gratilla.

    “without affecting its survival (Kaposi et al., 2014).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Kaposi et al., 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Given the differences in habits and physiology of marine and freshwater species, it is not clear to what extent results based on studies of marine organisms can be applied to freshwater species and vice versa.

    “Given the differences in habits and physiology of marine and freshwater species, it is not clear to what extent results based on studies of marine organisms can be applied to freshwater species and vice versa.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    LC50 for PP MPs is 7.14 × 10^4 particles L^-1 compared to LC50 = 4.64 × 10^7 particles L^-1 for PE MPs.

    “They reported a LC 50 = 7.14 × 10 4 particles L -1 for PP MPs compared to LC 50 = 4.64 × 10 7 particles L -1 for PE MPs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Au et al., 2015

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Small crustaceans are often primary consumers, as are planktonic rotifers.

    “Small crustaceans are often primary consumers (Desforges et al., 2014), as are planktonic rotifers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Desforges et al., 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Mazurais et al. (2015) reported mortality and induction of the cytochrome P450 (CYP P450) in D. labrax.

    “Mazurais et al. (2015) reported mortality and induction of the cytochrome P450 (CYP P450) in D. labrax (846 h; 10-45 μm; 10-100 particles mg -1 of diet).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Mazurais et al., 2015 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Three Daphnia species showed different responses to primary and secondary MP exposure, and different interactive effects of MP exposure and thermal stress.

    “Jaikumar et al. (2018) showed that three Daphnia species showed different responses to primary and secondary MP exposure, and different interactive effects of MP exposure and thermal stress.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Jaikumar et al., 2018 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The number of studies of D. magna may reflect its widespread use in ecotoxicology laboratories.

    “The number of studies of D. magna may reflect its widespread use in ecotoxicology laboratories.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    There are likely to be significant analytical challenges associated with conducting studies on MPs' capability to adsorb contaminants inside organisms.

    “However, there are likely to be significant analytical challenges associated with conducting such studies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PS MPs decrease survival and fecundity of Tigriopus japonicas.

    “and Tigriopus japonicas (two generation test; 0.05-0.5 μm; 0.125-25 mg L -1 ) when exposed to PS MPs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Lee et al., 2013 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PS MPs cause increases in neurotoxicity and genotoxicity in Scrobicularia plana.

    “A study using Scrobicularia plana (Ribeiro et al., 2017) reported increases in neurotoxicity and genotoxicity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Ribeiro et al., 2017 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    PS MPs affect gene expression in the echinoderm Paracentrotus lividus, including up-regulation of the Abcb1 gene.

    “Della Torre et al. (2014) described effects of PS MPs (6-48 h; 0.04-0.05μm; 1-50 mg L -1 ) on gene expression in the echinoderm Paracentrotus lividus, including an up-regulation of the Abcb1 gene responsible for protection and multi-drug resistance (Shipp and Hamdoun, 2012).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Della Torre et al., 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Shipp and Hamdoun, 2012

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationcitation

    This persistence of MPs in mussel tissues represents a possible source of toxicity to their predators and potentially to humans.

    “This persistence of MPs in mussel tissues represents a possible source of toxicity to their predators and potentially to humans (e.g.De Witte et al., 2014;Van Cauwenberghe and Janssen, 2014)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites De Witte et al., 2014 source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites Van Cauwenberghe and Janssen, 2014

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Hurley et al. (2018) report maximum sediment concentrations of ~440,000 particles m -2 , and an average of 16,000 particles m -2 .

    “Hurley et al. (2018) report maximum sediment concentrations of ~440,000 particles m -2 , and an average of 16,000 particles m -2 .”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Hurley et al., 2018 source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Premisecitation

    PS MPs cause alteration of enzymes in Paracyclopina nana.

    “and Paracyclopina nana (24 h; 0.05-6 μm; 0.1-20 mg L -1 ).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Jeong et al., 2017

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Exposure to MPs may cause a variety of effects and threaten individuals of many species, the ecosystems they live in, and ultimately humans.

    “It is also undeniable that a large number of organisms are exposed to these particles and that this exposure may cause a variety of effects and threaten individuals of many different species, the ecosystems they live in and, ultimately, humans.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    PP, PES and PA MPs may represent a similar danger for aquatic life as PE and PS.

    “Polyethylene and PS MPs are clearly the most studied type of polymers, although others, specifically PP, PES and PA, may represent a similar danger for aquatic life.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The lack of studies on combined effects of MPs and other contaminants may reflect a bias against publishing negative results.

    “While it is difficult to demonstrate, it is possible that this lack of studies in the literature reflects a bias against publishing negative results.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
66 of 66

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The set of surveyed publications is representative of the available literature on MPs and aquatic organisms.

    “The surveyed publications identified an equivalent number of studies conducted in the field (48%) and laboratory (52%) (Fig. 3A).”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Molluscs include a large number of filter feeding species, with a high tendency for bioaccumulation.

    “Molluscs include a large number of filter feeding species, with a high tendency for bioaccumulation.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    These organism groups occupy a number of positions in aquatic food webs.

    “These organism groups occupy a number of positions in aquatic food webs.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    In the environment, organisms are simultaneously exposed to several contaminants.

    “These studies are motivated by the situation found in the environment where organisms are simultaneously exposed to several contaminants.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Several of these organisms are widely used for food (e.g. M. edulis).

    “Considering that several of these organisms are widely used for food (e.g.M. edulis)”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    There are many freshwater organisms with considerable trophic and commercial importance.

    “Considering that there are many freshwater organisms with considerable trophic and commercial importance, this approach should be one of the directions that the study of MPs should take.”
6 of 6

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

  • MPs can act as a carrier of pollutants in the marine food web.

    “As reported by de Sá et al. [75], MPs can act as a carrier of pollutants in the marine food web.”

    From Is Wild Marine Biota Affected by Microplastics? (2022) · cites this paper as [75]

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • 34 studies are not 12% of the stated total

    Minor

    The paper says it identified 612 studies. On that denominator, 34 studies are about 5.6%, not 12%; the text does not specify a different denominator for this claim.

    Reported 12 · recomputed 5.555556

  • Interactive-study polymer percentages total 106%

    Minor

    The reported PE, PS, PVC and PP shares add to 106%, beyond rounding error. That conflicts with the paper's definition of a study by MP type, under which an article covering multiple types generates separate studies.

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 140 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
de Sá, L. C., Oliveira, M., Ribeiro, F., Rocha, T. L., & Futter, M. N.
Affiliations
  • Centro de Estudos do Ambiente e do Mar (PT)
  • The University of Queensland (AU)
  • Universidade Federal de Goiás (BR)
  • Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE)
Corresponding author
Futter, Martyn Norman
ORCID
Venue
Science of The Total Environment
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2018-12
Volume
645
Pages
1029-1039
ISSN
0048-9697 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.207
OpenAlex
W2883238699
Semantic Scholar
b9222c4f4ecd7e923efa6319e707a47b84633bce
Cited by
1,316
References
140
Citations by year
2026: 80 · 2025: 150 · 2024: 179 · 2023: 189 · 2022: 214 · 2021: 207 · 2020: 205 · 2019: 82 · 2018: 9
FWCI
6.66
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • The Science of The Total Environment (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Funders
Swedish Research Council FORMAS (2017-00029)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis › Environmental Toxicology and Ecotoxicology
  • Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Pollution › Pharmaceutical and Antibiotic Environmental Impacts
Keywords
microplastics, aquatic organisms, microplastic ingestion, ecotoxicology, polymer types, particle size and shape, microfibers, microplastic fragments, fish, invertebrates, mechanism of action, environmental exposure
MeSH terms
Animals, Environmental Monitoring, Plastics, Water Pollutants, Chemical, Ecotoxicology, Aquatic Organisms

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-10.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-10.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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