Primary Microplastics in the Oceans : a Global Evaluation of Sources

Author : Julien Boucher, Damien Friot
Publication year : 2017
Languages : EN FR
Geographical areas : Not specified
Keywords : Business, Data collection and harmonization, Mapping identification, Microplastics, Plastic leakages
Abstract

Plastic has penetrated everyday life, and the disadvantages of plastics are becoming more and more visible: large quantities of plastics leak into rivers and oceans, with adverse effects to marine ecosystems and related economic activities. This report is one of the first of its kind to quantify primary microplastics leakage and to demonstrate that these primary microplastics are globally responsible for a major source of plastics in the oceans.