Ecological risk assessment of microplastics in salt water envionment

Abstract

Microplastic in surface water, water column and bottom water of Korean coastal waters were determined down to 20 mm in size. Along with this in-situ observation data and microplastic abundance data reported in the world and bioassay data available in literature, preliminary ecological risk assessment was conducted. The highest microplastic abundance observed in saltwater environment is about three orders of magnitude lower than the most sensitive toxic effects reported for water flea. However, microplastic abundance in seawater is likely to increase with current increasing rate of plastic production. Precautionary approach is highly required to reduce input or standing stock of plastic debris. In addition, big uncertainty still exists for assessment of ecological risk due to limited taxa in bioassay especially saltwater species, limited chronic toxicity data, and data based on non-standardized bioassays. It is highly recommended to conduct harmonized and well-designed microplastic monitoring and bioassay for ecological risk assessment.available in literature, preliminary ecological risk assessment was conducted. The highest microplastic abundance observed in saltwater environment is about three orders of magnitude lower than the most sensitive toxic effects reported for water flea. However, microplastic abundance in seawater is likely to increase with current increasing rate of plastic production. Precautionary approach is highly required to reduce input or standing stock of plastic debris. In addition, big uncertainty still exists for assessment of ecological risk due to limited taxa in bioassay especially saltwater species, limited chronic toxicity data, and data based on non-standardized bioassays. It is highly recommended to conduct harmonized and well-designed microplastic monitoring and bioassay for ecological risk assessment.