Understanding the source and fate of microplastics (plastic debris < 5 mm) in the natural environment is challenging, yet critical for better regulation and management of microplastic pollution. Monitoring the spatiotemporal abundance and characteristics (for example, size, shape, polymer type and aging degree) of microplastics has been widely used to understand their source and fate. However, the multiple sources and high similarities of microplastics in various environments make source tracing difficult. Alternatively, characterizing the microbial communities associated with plastics is a useful tool in understanding microplastic dynamics.
Source: Ecology - nature.com
