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Microplastic Pollution: Chemical Characterization and Impact on Wildlife

Author

Listed:
  • Sumon Sarkar

    (School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, 7671 Evans Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106, USA)

  • Hanin Diab

    (School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, 7671 Evans Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106, USA)

  • Jonathan Thompson

    (School of Veterinary Medicine, Texas Tech University, 7671 Evans Dr., Amarillo, TX 79106, USA)

Abstract

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are less than 5 mm in size and can be found in most environments, including the oceans, rivers, and air. These small plastic particles can have negative impacts on wildlife and the environment. In this review of the literature, we analyze the presence of microplastics in various species of wildlife, including fish, birds, and mammals. We describe a variety of analytical techniques, such as microscopy and spectrometry, which identify and quantify the microplastics in the samples. In addition, techniques of sample preparation are discussed. Summary results show that microplastics are present in all the wildlife species studied, with the highest concentrations often found in fish and birds. The literature suggests that microplastics are widely distributed in the environment and have the potential to affect a wide range of species. Further research is required to fully understand the impacts of microplastics on wildlife and the environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Sumon Sarkar & Hanin Diab & Jonathan Thompson, 2023. "Microplastic Pollution: Chemical Characterization and Impact on Wildlife," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-28, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:1745-:d:1039557
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Grigorios L. Kyriakopoulos & Miltiadis G. Zamparas & Vasileios C. Kapsalis, 2022. "Investigating the Human Impacts and the Environmental Consequences of Microplastics Disposal into Water Resources," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-23, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ren-Shou Yu & Sher Singh, 2023. "Microplastic Pollution: Threats and Impacts on Global Marine Ecosystems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-21, September.

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