Audience: The audience most appropriate for this literature review is research scientists in physiology, toxicology, chemistry, and the associated environmental science research areas. These researchers likely are currently working on, or will soon be working on, projects involving microplastics behavior in vivo. Though only a small fraction of the audience will be working with annelids, the background information on how microplastics behave in lower-order organisms can be informative in shaping research protocol and essential questions.
Context: Microplastics are accumulating in the environment at unprecedented levels, and science has only recently discovered the extent of microplastics pollution in our waterways. We have started characterizing the different types of microplastics and their behavior in water systems, but research on the effects of microplastics on live organisms is still lagging. However, microplastics have been found at every level of typical aquatic trophic structure, and recently were found in human feces as well. Because the effects of bioaccumulated microplastics is not fully characterized yet, learning about their fate and transport in organisms near the bottom of the trophic pyramid can inform science on their effect on higher-order organisms.
Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to inform research scientists on current knowledge of the uptake, accumulation, biotransformation, and excretion of microplastics in annelids. The literature review may also suggest potential future research questions which may be of interest.
Document type: This document will serve as a brief literature review on current knowledge within a focused area of microplastics research.
Context: Microplastics are accumulating in the environment at unprecedented levels, and science has only recently discovered the extent of microplastics pollution in our waterways. We have started characterizing the different types of microplastics and their behavior in water systems, but research on the effects of microplastics on live organisms is still lagging. However, microplastics have been found at every level of typical aquatic trophic structure, and recently were found in human feces as well. Because the effects of bioaccumulated microplastics is not fully characterized yet, learning about their fate and transport in organisms near the bottom of the trophic pyramid can inform science on their effect on higher-order organisms.
Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to inform research scientists on current knowledge of the uptake, accumulation, biotransformation, and excretion of microplastics in annelids. The literature review may also suggest potential future research questions which may be of interest.
Document type: This document will serve as a brief literature review on current knowledge within a focused area of microplastics research.
Citation type: APA citation