Holistic Approach to the Marine Microplastics: Sampling, Characterization, Consequences

Abstract

The aim of this research is to propose the universal sampling method of pelagial waters to provide qualitative and quantitative data about marine microplastics [1]. It has been already confirmed that the plastic is ubiquitous in the marine environment and easily fragmented by UV radiation and mechanical force of waves and wind [2]. Taking into consideration the increasing production, time of use, and following degradation, one may expect the problem of microplastics debris to be exponentially increasing in the years to come [3]. Microplastics (MPs) are defined as all plastic debris smaller than 5 mm [2].