The factors influencing the vertical transport of microplastics in marine environment: A review

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 870; p. 161893
• Main Authors: Li, Jiasen, Shan, Encui, Zhao, Jianmin, Teng, Jia, Wang, Qing
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 20.04.2023
• Subjects: adsorption; Aquatic Organisms; Biofouling; Biological transport; Deposition; Environmental Monitoring; macroalgae; marine environment; marine sediments; Microplastics; Microplastics - chemistry; physiological transport; Plastics; Vertical transport; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Vertical transport; Microplastics; Biofouling; Biological transport; Deposition
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161893

There have been numerous studies that have identified the presence of low-density microplastics (MPs) in the water column and sediments. The focus of current MPs research has shifted towards the interaction of MPs with marine organisms and their potential hazards, including the uptake characteristics, biological transport and toxicological effects of MPs, but the processes involved in the deposition behavior of MPs are still poorly understood. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the vertical transport of MPs influenced by their physicochemical properties and marine organisms, and discuss their potential impact on MPs deposition. The physicochemical properties of MPs determine their initial distribution. The density, shape, and size of MPs influence their settling state in the marine environment. Marine biota play a key role in the transport of MPs to deep marine environment, mainly by changing the density and adsorption of MPs. Biofouling can alter the surface properties of MPs and increase the overall density, thus affecting the vertical flux of the plastic. Macroalgae may trap MPs particles by producing chemicals or by using electrostatic interactions. Marine swimming organisms ingest MPs and excrete them encapsulated in fecal particles, while the activity of marine benthic organisms may contribute to the transfer of MPs from surface sediments to deeper layers. In addition, MPs may be incorporated into organic particles produced by marine organisms such as marine snow or marine aggregates, increasing the vertical flux of MPs. However, due to the complexity of different sea areas and MPs properties, the deposition behavior of MPs may be the result of the interaction of multiple factors. Thus, the effects of MPs properties, marine organisms and the natural environment on MPs deposition in marine environment needs further research to fill this gap. [Display omitted] •Physicochemical property determines MPs' initial distribution in marine environment.•Marine organisms play an important role in vertical transport of MPs.•Microbes, animals and plants partially determine vertical movement of marine MPs.•Further studies should focus on vertical fluxes of MPs.