Mikroskopiska plastpartiklar i havet: ursprung och effekter i marin miljö

The issue of microscopic plastic particles was reported in Swedish media in 2008 after records of high concentrations in the sea along the Swedish west coast. This study compiles existing information about microscopic plastic particles in the oceans with the purpose to investigate their extent, origin and observed and potential effects on marine organisms. The results show that studies have been conducted since the 1970s, but that it still is an inadequately studied environmental issue. Contemporary studies have shown a globally widespread and increasing distribution of plastic particles in the oceans. Norén (2007) found that the particles were much smaller and far more by number than indicated in previous studies. The results further show a separation of plastic particles in two size intervals; microscopic plastic particles (