Macro and micro plastics sorb and desorb metals and act as a point source of trace metals to coastal ecosystems

• Published in: PloS one Vol. 13; no. 2; p. e0191759
• Main Authors: Munier, B., Bendell, L. I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 14.02.2018; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Acids; Aquatic ecosystems; Cadmium; Coastal ecosystems; Coastal environments; Copper; Data processing; Debris; Detritus; Ecosystems; Environmental aspects; Heavy metals; Intertidal zone; Lead; Low density polyethylenes; Marine pollution; Metal concentrations; Metals; Microplastics; Personal hygiene; Photovoltaic cells; Physical Sciences; Physiochemistry; Plastic debris; Plastics; Polycarbonate; Polycarbonate resins; Polyethylene; Polyethylene terephthalate; Polymers; Polypropylene; Polystyrene; Polystyrene resins; Polyurethane; Polyurethane resins; Polyvinyl chloride; Recycling; Sediments; Solar cells; Statistical analysis; Statistical methods; Toxicity; Trace metals; Zinc; Canada; Burrard Inlet

Nine urban intertidal regions in Burrard Inlet, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, were sampled for plastic debris. Debris included macro and micro plastics and originated from a wide diversity of uses ranging from personal hygiene to solar cells. Debris was characterized for its polymer through s...