Plastic pollution

The properties of plastic that make it such an attractive material, such as durability, strength and low cost, also make it a lasting problem once it reaches the end of its useful life. Oceanic plastic pollution consists of large pieces of debris, including discarded fishing gear, bottles and plastic bags, but the most ubiquitous type of plastic debris by number are small pieces of plastic, known as microplastics.

Sources of microplastics include fibres from synthetic textiles, microbeads from cosmetics and industrial applications and larger items that have broken down over time. Other forms of microplastic include antifouling paint particles, tyre particles and biodegradables, collectively described as anthropogenic particulates.

Microplastics are ingested by a wide range of marine organisms, including ecologically important and commercially exploited species. Our research has highlighted that these microplastics can adversely affect the health of organisms by limiting their capacity to feed upon natural prey.

PML scientists are at the forefront of urgently needed transdisciplinary research to understand the key drivers of marine plastic risk at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Their work includes assessing the bioavailability and effects of marine microplastics on marine organisms and ecosystems, developing techniques to monitor and model the movement of marine plastic, and assessing the risk of marine plastics to key species, ecosystem services and natural capital.

PML scientists have contributed comprehensive evidence to the UK House of Commons Environmental Audit Committee’s inquiry into "Microplastics and the Marine Environment" and provided input into the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POSTNote) on "Marine Microplastic Pollution".

One of PML’s scientists, Prof Penelope Lindeque gave a presentation to the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee on "The problem of microplastics in our Marine Environment?" to raise awareness of the threat that microplastics pose to the marine environment. The Committee informs members of the Houses of Parliament, scientific bodies, industry and academia on issues where science and politics meet. It also demonstrates the relevance of scientific and technological developments on matters of public interest and to the development of national policy.

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