Issue 39, 2023

Geographical heterogeneity and dominant polymer types in microplastic contamination of lentic ecosystems: implications for methodological standardization and future research

Abstract

This study examines the prevalence and distribution of microplastic polymer types in lentic ecosystems, revealing significant heterogeneity across different geographical regions and ecosystems. The most dominant type of microplastic observed was polyethylene (PE), followed by polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), which aligns with global production rates. North America, Asia, and Europe were identified as the regions with the highest microplastic contamination, with the United States, China, Italy, and Spain being the most affected countries. The physical characteristics of each ecosystem, such as wind speed, depth, and eutrophication, alongside seasonal variations, and anthropogenic activities, contributed to the observed heterogeneity in microplastics concentrations. The study highlights the need for further research on microplastics in lentic ecosystems, considering their unique physical characteristics and anthropogenic influences. A significant lack of methodological standardization in microplastics research was identified, leading to underestimation of microplastics prevalence and high heterogeneity in meta-analyses.

Graphical abstract: Geographical heterogeneity and dominant polymer types in microplastic contamination of lentic ecosystems: implications for methodological standardization and future research

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
15 Jun 2023
Accepted
01 Sep 2023
First published
11 Sep 2023
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY-NC license

RSC Adv., 2023,13, 27190-27202

Geographical heterogeneity and dominant polymer types in microplastic contamination of lentic ecosystems: implications for methodological standardization and future research

L. Miranda-Peña, L. Buitrago-Duque, N. Rangel-Buitrago, A. Gracia C., V. A. Arana and J. Trilleras, RSC Adv., 2023, 13, 27190 DOI: 10.1039/D3RA04016J

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