Bibliography of plastic research includes links to 72 studies related to health and environmental impacts of plastics and microplastic particles

Riverkeeper's note: The following bibliography of studies related to plastics was collected by Commonwealth (Bloomsburg) University student Leigha Eby for her Masters requirements. There are 72 references for microplastic studies worldwide, each with an active link to more on the study.

Check out an overview story on the state of plastics in the Susquehanna River basin with information about additional studies done locally by clicking here.

Agamuthu, P., Mehran, S. B., Norkhairah, A., and Norkhairyah, A. (2019). Marine debris: A review of impacts and global initiatives. Waste Management and Research, 37(10), 987-1002. https://doi.org/10.1177/0734242X19845041

Amato-Lourenco, L. F., Dantas, K. C., Junior, G. R., Paes, V. R., Ando, R. A., Freitas, R. d. O.,…Mauad, T. (2024). Microplastics in the olfactory bulb of the human brain. JAMA Network Open, 7(9). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.40018

Amato-Lourenço, L. F., Carvalho-Oliveira, R., Júnior, G. R., dos Santos Galvao, L., Ando, R. A., and Mauad, T. (2021). Presence of airborne microplastics in human lung tissue. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126124

Avio, C. G., Gorgi, S., and Regoli, F. (2017). Plastics and microplastics in the oceans: From emerging pollutants to emerged threat. Marine Environmental Research, 128, 2-11. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141113616300733

Bakeland, L. H. (1909). The synthesis, constitution, and uses of Bakelite. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry, 1(3), 149-161. https://doi.org/10.1021/ie50003a004

Baker-Austin, C., Oliver, J. D., Alam, M., Ali, A., Waldor, M. K., Qadri, F., and Martinez-Urtaza, J. (2018). Vibrio spp. infections. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 4, 1-19. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-018-0005-8

Bargagli, R., and Rota, E. (2023). Microplastic interactions and possible combined biological effects in Antarctic marine ecosystems. Animals, 13(162). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010162

Bergmann, M., Wirzberger, V., Krumpen, T., Lorenz, C., Primpke, S., Tekman, M. B., and Gerdts, G. (2017). High quantities of microplastic in Arctic deep-sea sediments from the HAUSGARTEN Observatory. Environmental Science and Technology, 51, 11000-11010. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.7b03331

Blackburn, K., and Green, D. (2022). The potential effects of  microplastics on human health: What is known and what is unknown. Ambio, 51, 518-530. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-021-01589-9

Botterell, Z. L. R., Bergmann, M., Hildebrandt, N., Krumpen, T., Steinke, M., Thompson, R. C., and Lindeque, P. K. (2022). Microplastic ingestion in zooplankton from the Fram Strait in the Arctic. Science of the Total Environment, 831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154886

Carlsson, P., Singdahl-Larsen, C., and Lusher, A. L. (2021). Understanding the occurrence and fate of microplastics in coastal Arctic ecosystems: The case of surface waters, sediments and walrus (Odobenus rosmarus). Science of the Total Environment, 792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148308

Carpenter, E. J., Anderson, S. J., Harvey, G. R., Miklas, H. P., and Peck, B. B. (1972). Polystyrene spherules in coastal waters. Science, 178, 749-750. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.178.4062.749

Cholewinska, P., Monjuszko, H., Wojnarowski, K., Pokorny, P., Szeligowska, N., Dobicki, W.,…Gorniak, W. (2022). The occurrence of microplastics and the formation of biofilms by pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria as threats in aquaculture. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19138137

Cverenkárová, K., Valachoviˇcová, M., Mackul’ak, T., Žemlicka, L., and Bírošová, L. (2021). Microplastics in the food chain. Life, 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11121349

Derraik, J. G. B. (2002). The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 44, 842-852. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0025-326x(02)00220-5

Doyle, D., Frias, J., Nash, R., and Gammell, M. (2020). Current environmental microplastic levels do not alter emergence behaviour in the intertidal gastropod Littorina littorea. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 151. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110859

Eberhard, T., Casillas, G., Zarus, G. M., and Boyd-Barr, D. (2024). Systematic review of microplastics and nanoplastics in indoor and outdoor air: Identifying a framework and data needs for quantifying human inhalation exposures. Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, 34, 185-196. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-023-00634-x.

Egbeocha, C. O., Malek, S., Emenike, C. U., and Milow, P. (2018). Feasting on microplastics: Ingestion by and effects on marine organisms. Aquatic Biology, 27, 93-106. https://doi.org/10.3354/ab00701
Falagas, M. E.,

Karveli, E. A., and Kelesidis, I. e. a. (2007). Community-acquired Acinetobacter infections. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 26, 857-868. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-007-0365-6

Florance, I., Ramasubbu, S., Mukherjee, A., Chandrasekaran, N. T., and 458. (2021). Polystyrene nanoplastics dysregulate lipid metabolism in murine macrophages in vitro. Toxicology, 458. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2021.152850

Frias, J. P. G. L., and Nash, R. (2019). Microplastics: Finding a consensus on the definition. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 138(145-147). doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.11.022

Gall, S. C., and Thompson, R. C. (2015). The impact of debris on marine life. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 92, 170-179. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.12.041

Geyer, R., Lambeck, J. R., and Lavendar Law, K. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3. www.science.org/doi/pdf/10.1126/sciadv.1700782?fbclid=IwAR1W32

Gigault J., Halle A.T., Baudrimont M., Pascal P.Y., Gauffre F., Phi T.L., El Hadri H., Grassl B., Reynaud S. (2018). Current opinion: What is a nanoplastic? Environmental Pollution, 1030-1034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.024

Grosvik, B. E., Granberg, M. E., Kogel, T., Lusher, A. L., Gomiero, A., Halldorsson, H. P.,…Magnusson, K. (2023). Microplastics in Arctic invertebrates: Status on occurrence and recommendations for future monitoring. Arctic Science, 9, 165-175. https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S2368746022000199

Harrison, J. P., Schratzberger, M., Sapp, M., and Osborn, A. M. (2014). Rapid bacterial colonization of low-density polyethylene microplastics in coastal sediment microcosms. BMC Microbiology, 14(232). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12866-014-0232-4

Hermsen, E., Mintenig, S. M., Besseling, E., and Koelmans, A. A. (2018). Quality criteria for the analysis of microplastic in biota samples: A critical review. Environmental Science and Technology, 52, 10230-10240. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b01611

Horie, Y., Mitsunaga, K., Yamaji, K., Hirokawa, S., Uaciquete, D., Rios, J. M.,…Okamura, H. (2024). Variability in microplastic color preference and intake among selected marine and freshwater fish and crustaceans. Discover Oceans, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44289-024-00005-w

Hu, X., Yu, Q., Waigi, M. G., Ling, W., Qin, C., Wang, J., and Gao, Y. (2022). Microplastics-sorbed phenanthrene and its derivatives are highly bioaccessible and may induce human cancer risks. Environment International, 168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2022.107459

Jenner, L. C., Rotchell, J. M., Bennett, R. T., Cowen, M., Tentzeris, V., and Sadofsky, L. R. (2022). Detection of microplastics in human lung tissue using μFTIR spectroscopy. Science of the Total Environment, 831. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154907

Jensen, S., Grosvik, B. E., Halsband, C., Halldorsson, H. P., Leslie, H. A., Gunnlaugsdottir, H.,…Jorundsdottir, H. O. (2022). Understanding microplastic pollution in the Nordic marine environment - Knowledge gaps and suggested approaches. Microplastics and Nanoplastics, 2(22). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43591-022-00041-3

Junaid, M., Siddiqui, J. A., Sadaf, M., Liu, S., and Wang, J. (2022). Enrichment and dissemination of bacterial pathogens by microplastics in the aquatic environment. Science of the Total Environment, 830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154720

Kelly, M. R., Lant, N. J., Kurr, M., and Burgess, J. G. (2019). Importance of water-volume on the release of microplastic fibers from laundry. Environmental Science and Technology, 53, 11735-11744. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.est.9b03022

Kiran, N., Ekinci, E., and Snape, C. E. (2000). Recycling of plastic waste via pyrolysis. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 29, 273–283. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921344900000525

Kuhn, S., van Werven, B., van Oyen, A., Meijboom, A., Bravo Rebolledo, E. L., and van Franeker, J. A. (2017). The use of potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution as a suitable approach to isolate plastics ingested by marine organisms. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 115(1-2), 86-90. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X16309547

Kumar, N., Lamba, M., Pachar, A. K., Yadav, S., and Acharya, A. (2023). Microplastics – A growing concern as carcinogens in cancer etiology: Emphasis on biochemical and molecular mechanisms. Cell Biochemistry and Biophysics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-024-01436-0

Lebreton, L., Slat, B., Ferrari, F., Sainte-Rose, B., Aitken, J., Marthouse, R.,…Reisser, J. (2018). Evidence that the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is rapidly accumulating plastic. Nature, 8(4666). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-22939-w.

Leonard, S. V. L., Liddle, C. R., Atherall, C. A., Chapman, E., Watkins, M., Calaminus, S. D. J., and Rotchell, J. M. (2024). Microplastics in human blood: Polymer types, concentrations and characterisation using μFTIR. Environmental International, 188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2024.108751

Leslie, H. A., M.J.M., v. V., Brandsma, S. H., Vethaak, A. D., Garcia-Vallejo, J. J., and Lamoree, M. H. (2022). Discovery and quantification of plastic particle pollution in human blood. Environmental International, 163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. envint.2022.107199

Loughlin, C., marques Mendes, A. R., Morrison, L., and Morley, A. (2021). The role of oceanographic processes and sedimentological settings  on the deposition of microplastics in marine sediment: Icelandic waters. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.111976

Lusher, A., Hollman, P., and Mendoza-Hill, J. (2017). Microplastics in fisheries and aquaculture: Status of knowledge on their occurrence and implications for aquatic organisms and food safety (FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper). https://openknowledge.fao.org/items/98cc7c65-f933-4c37-9118-09bad76e087b

Lusher, A. L., Welden, N. A., Sobral, P., and Cole, M. (2017). Sampling, isolating and identifying microplastics ingested by fish and invertebrates. Analytical Methods, 9, 1346-1360. https://doi.org/10.1039/C6AY02415G

Mammo, F. K., Amoah, I. D., Gani, K. M., Pillay, L., Ratha, S. K., Bux, F., and Kumari, S. (2020). Microplastics in the environment: Interactions with microbes and chemical contaminants. Science of the Total Environment. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.140518

Mann, S., Perry, C. C., Webb, J., Luke, B., and Williams, R. J. P. (1986). Structure, morphology, composition and organization of biogenic minerals in limpet teeth. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Series B, Biological Sciences, 227(1247), 179-190. https://www.jstor.org/stable/36127

Mercogliano, R., Santonicola, S., Raimo, G., Gasperi, M., and Colavita, G. (2021). Extraction and identification of microplastics from mussels: Method development and preliminary results. Italian Journal of Food Safety, 10. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijfs.2021.9264

Nagy, A., and Kuti, R. (2016). The environmental impact of plastic waste incineration. AARMS, 15(3), 231-237. https://doi.org/10.32565/aarms.2016.3.3

Nakki, P., Setala, O., and Lehtiniemi, L. (2017). Bioturbation transports secondary microplastics to deeper layers in soft marine sediments of the northern Baltic Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 119(1), 255-261. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.03.065

Napper, I. E., and Thompson, R. C. (2016). Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines: Effects of fabric type and washing conditions. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 112, 39-45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.09.025

Ovide, B. G., Cirino, E., Basran, C. J., Geertz, T., and Syberg, K. (2022). Assessment of prevalence and heterogeneity of meso- and microplastic pollution in Icelandic waters. Environments, 9(150), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3390/environments9120150

Park, J. H., Hong, S., Kim, O. H., Kim, C. H., Kim, J., Kim, J. W.,…Lee, H. J. (2023). Polypropylene microplastics promote metastatic features in human breast cancer. Nature Portfolio, 13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33393-8

Pauly, J. L., Stegmeier, S. J., Allaart, H. A., Cheney, R. T., Zhang, P. J., Mayer, A. G., and Streck, R. J. (1998). Inhaled cellulosic and plastic fibers found in human lung tissue. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers, and Prevention, 7, 419-428. https://www.newswise.com/articles/inhaled-cellulosic-and-plastic-fibers-found-in-human-lung-tissue

Peeken, I., Primpke, S., Beyer, B., Gütermann, J. K., C., Krumpen, T., Bergmann, M.,…Gerdts, G. (2018). Arctic sea ice is an important temporal sink and means of transport for microplastic. Nature Communications, 9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-03825-5

Peng, L., Fu, D., Qi, H., Lan, C. Q., Yu, H., and Ge, C. (2020). Micro- and nano-plastics in marine environment: Source, distribution and threats - A review. Science of the Total Environment, 698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134254

Peng, X., Chen, M., Chen, S., Dasgupta, S., Xu, H., Ta, K.,…Bai, S. (2018). Microplastics contaminate the deepest part of the world's ocean. Geochemical Perspectives Letters, 9, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.7185/geochemlet1829

Plastics-Environmental Effects-State of Knowledge and Methodologies. (2020). https://www.iso.org/standard/72300.html

Ragusa A., Notarstefano V., Svelato A., Belloni A., Gioacchini G., Blondeel C., Zucchelli E., De Luca C., D'Avino S., Gulotta A., Carnevali O., Giorgini E. (2022). Raman microspectroscopy detection and characterisation of microplastics in human breast milk. Polymers, 14(13). https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14132700

Ragusa, A., Svelato, A., Santacroce, C., Catalano, P., Notarstefano, V., Carnevali, O.,…Giorgini, E. (2021). Plasticenta: First evidence of microplastics in human placenta. Environment International, 146.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.106274.

Rani, M., Ducoli, S., Depero, L. E., Prica, M., Tubic, A., Ademovic, Z.,…Federici, S. (2023). A complete guide to extraction methods of microplastics from complex environmental matrices. Molecules, 28. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28155710

Rellán, A. G., Ares, D. V., Brea, C. V., López, A. F., and Bugallo, P. M. B. (2023). Sources, sinks and transformations of plastics in our oceans: Review, management strategies and modelling. Science of the Total Environment, 854. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158745

Ribeiro, V. V., Soares, T. M. A., De-la-torre, G. E., Casado-Coy, N., Sanz-Lazaro, C., and Castro, I. B. (2024). Microplastics in rocky shore mollusks of different feeding habits: An assessment of sentinel performance. Environmental Pollution, 346. https://doi.org/0.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.15246010.1016/j.envpol.2024.123571.

Sauls, R. S., and Taylor, B. N. (2022). Histology, M Cell. StatPearls Publishing.
Sfrisoa, A. A., Tomiob, Y., Rossob, B., Gambarob, A., Sfrisob, A., Coramic, F.,…Munaria, C. (2020). Microplastic accumulation in benthic invertebrates in Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea, Antarctica). Environment International, 137. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2020.105587

Sipea, J. M., Bossaa, N., Bergera, W. B., von Windheimb, N., Gallb, K., and Wiesnera, M. R. (2021). From bottle to microplastics: Can we estimate how our plastic products are breaking down? Science of the Total Environment. (1-33). https://doi.org/0.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152460. Epub 2021

Smith, M., Love, D. C., Rochman, C. M., and Neff, R. A. (2018). Microplastics in seafood and the implications for human health. Current Environmental Health Reports, 5, 375–386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-018-0206-z

Sogancioglu, M., Ahmetli, G., and Yel, E. (2017). A comparative study on waste plastics pyrolysis liquid products quantity and energy recovery potential. Energy Procedia, 118, 221-226. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1876610217325468?via%3Dihub

Stefánsson, H., Peternell, M., Konrad-Schmolke, M., Hannesdóttir, H., Ásbjörnsson, E. J., and Sturkell, E. (2021). Microplastics in glaciers: First results from the Vatnajökull ice cap. Sustainability, 13. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084183
Sussman, J., Krause, T., Martin, D., Walz, E., Greiner, R., Rohn, S.,…Fritsche, J. (2021). Evaluation and optimization of sample preparation protocols suitable for the analysis of plastic particles present in seafood. Food Control, 125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2021.107969

Thompson, R. C., Courtene-Jones, W., Boucher, J., Pahl, S., Raubenheimer, K., Koelmans, A. A., and https://orc, h. o. o. (2024). Twenty years of microplastic pollution research - what have we learned? Science, 386(6720). https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adl2746

Thompson, R. C., Olsen, Y., Mitchell, R. P., Davis, A., Rowland, S. J., John, A. W. G.,…Russell, A. E. (2004). Lost at sea: Where is all the plastic? Science, 304, 838. doi: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1094559

van Praagh, M., and B., L. (2021). Microplastics in landfill leachates in three Nordic countries. Detritus, 17, 58-70. https://doi.org/10.31025/2611-4135/2021.15149
 
Vethaak, A. D., and Legler, J. (2021). Microplastics and human health: Knowledge gaps should be addressed to ascertain the health risk of microplastics. Science, 371(6530), 672-674. https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abe5041

Waller, C. L., Griffiths, H. J., Waluda, C. M., Thorpe, S. E., Loaiza, I., Moreno, B.,…Hughes, K. A. (2017). Microplastics in the Antarctic marine system: An emerging area of research. Science of the Total Environment, 598, 220-227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.03.283

Yang, Z., Lu, F., Zhang, H., Wang, W., Shao, L., Ye, J., and He, P. (2021). Is incineration the terminator of plastics and microplastics? Journal of Hazardous Materials, 401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123429

Zhou, W., Han, Y., Tang, Y., Shi, W., Du, X., Sun, S., and Liu, G. (2020). Microplastics aggravate the bioaccumulation of two waterborne veterinary antibiotics in an edible bivalve species: Potential mechanisms and implications for human health. Environmental Science and Technology, 54, 8115-8122. https://doi.org/ 10.1021/acs.est.0c01575