Title
Historical microplastic records in marine sediments: Current progress and methodological evaluation
Date Issued
01 July 2021
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
review
Publisher(s)
Elsevier B.V.
Abstract
Plastic production has increased continuously since its massification in the 1950s. Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles smaller than 5 mm, are contaminants widespread across all environmental compartments, including remote ecosystems. Thus, MPs could serve as geological proxies of the Anthropocene, a proposed geological epoch characterized for the human-derived influence on the environment. MP investigation in sedimentary records requires specific sampling and analytical procedures exclusive to this line of research. Failing to properly conduct one or many of the standardized procedures compromises the veracity of the data obtained. In the present review, we assessed the current advances and notorious results in studies investigating MPs in the sedimentary record, a recent area of research. Also, a method-based diagnosis was conducted by critically analyzing the sampling and dating, MP extraction, polymer identification, and contamination prevention steps. We aimed to provide recommendations to future research based on critical analyses of the current state of the art and to present prospective outlooks regarding MPs as geological markers of modern civilization.
Volume
46
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Bioproductos (productos que se manufacturan usando biotecnología), biomateriales, bioplásticos, biocombustibles, materiales nuevos bioderivados, químicos finos bioredivados Ciencias del medio ambiente
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85107809984
Source
Regional Studies in Marine Science
ISSN of the container
23524855
Sponsor(s)
The authors would like to thank the Vice-Rectorate for Research of the Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru (VRI-PUCP) for financial support and to the Editor and anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments, which helped us to improve the manuscript.
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus