Plastic pollution is ubiquitous and has been reported in marine and freshwater ecosystems globally. Reports in recent years indicate a cocktail of organic chemicals are associated with marine plastic debris, including chemicals like phthalates that are added as plasticizers during the production of plastics. In addition, organic contaminants present in the marine environment might sorb onto the debris from surrounding water column. I am looking for sound scientific hypothesis, unpublished findings, published papers which could provide categorical or evidence-based conclusions to show that marine plastic particles are sinks or transport vectors for organic pollutants.
Dear Dr Nsikak Benson,
I agree with your opinion.
Plastics debris, especially microplastics, have been found worldwide in all marine compartments. Much research has been carried out on adsorbed pollutants on plastic pieces and hydrophobic organic compounds (HOC) associated with microplastics. However, only a few studies have focused on plastic additives. These chemicals are incorporated into plastics from which they can leach out as most of them are not chemically bound. As a consequence of plastic accumulation and fragmentation in oceans, plastic additives could represent an increasing ecotoxicological risk for marine organisms.
Please follow the link: https://archimer.ifremer.fr/doc/00391/50227/51394.pdf
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