Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2020-504/ Abstract [en] Microplastics in marine bivalves from the Nordic environment: MP were analysed in mussels at 100 sites from Grenland to the Baltic. MP were found in 4 out of 5 species. The coastal waters of the North Sea, Kattegat, Skagerrak, and the western Baltic appear to be areas of MP accumulation. Mussels from urbanized areas and harbours contained the most MP. The abundance of MP was especially high in the Oslofjord. A total of 11 different polymer types were detected through 3 chemical characterisation methodes. Black rubbery particles, possibly derived from tyre wear, were the dominant particle type. The presence of rubber compounds was confirmed for Blue mussels (Mytilus) in analysis using pyrolysis GC-MS. This is the first study to document these polymer types in mussels. Mussels, especially Mytilus spp., Limecola balthica and Abra nitida are suitable for monitoring of MP in Nordic waters.

This report summarises the knowledge on plastics in Nordic marine species. Nordic biota interacts with plastic pollution, through entanglement and ingestion. Ingestion has been found in many seabirds and also in stranded mammals. Ingestion of plastics has been documented in 14 fish species, which many of them are of ecology and commercially importance. Microplastics have also been found in blue mussels and preliminary studies found synthetic fibres in marine worms. Comparability between and within studies of plastic ingestion by biota from the Nordic environment and other regions are difficult as there are: few studies and different methods are used. It is important that research is directed towards the knowledge gaps highlighted in this report, to get a better understanding on plastic ingestion and impact on biota from the Nordic marine environment.

Microplastics in the Ecosphere Discover the environmental impact of microplastics with this comprehensive resource Microplastics are the minute quantities of plastic that result from industrial processes, household release and the breakdown of larger plastic items. Widespread reliance on plastic goods and, particularly, single-use plastics, which has been increased by the COVID-19 pandemic, has made microplastics ubiquitous; they can be found throughout the ecosphere, including in the bloodstreams of humans and other animals. As these plastics emerge as a potential threat to the environment and to public health, it has never been more critical to understand their distribution and environmental impact. Microplastics in the Ecosphere aims to cultivate that understanding with a comprehensive overview of microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems. It analyzes microplastic distribution in aerosphere, hydrosphere, and soil, tracing these plastics from their production on land to their distribution—overwhelmingly—in maritime ecosystems. The result is a book that will inform researchers and policymakers as we look to tackle this emerging challenge globally. Microplastics in the Ecosphere readers will also find: Introductory information about the production and distribution of single-use plastics An emphasis on management and mitigation strategies designed to reduce contamination over time A multidisciplinary approach, combining concepts and analytical techniques from a range of scientific fields Microplastics in the Ecosphere is a valuable guide for researchers and scientists, advanced undergraduate and graduate students, industry professionals, and policymakers looking to understand the impact of these widespread materials.

The need for harmonized monitoring protocols for marine microplastic has been discussed for many years, but how to reach this goal has not been agreed upon. Important questions addressed when microplastics are monitored are: how to carry out field sampling, how to eliminate other particulate matter from a sample without harming the microplastics, and how to accurately identify the particles, while also preventing and assessing potential sample contamination at each step from sampling to analyses. In the project HARMIC, Nordic scientist with long term experience in microplastic research, applied and evaluated different methods for sampling and sample preparation relevant for the establishment of common guidelines. The outcomes of the studies are discussed from a monitoring perspective, including aspects of quality assurance and quality control.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-532/ This project developed a best practice guide for the standardization of the analysis of plastics in fish stomachs which can be applied in small-scale laboratories with limited infrastructure, which is typical of rural Arctic areas. In order to monitor plastic in the North Atlantic marine environment and understand potential impacts of plastics for commercially important fish stocks, it is important to standardize methods. This study also used the new method to provide a comparison between cod stomachs in Norway, Iceland and Faroe Islands and found a distribution of microplastics particles ranging from 0-27% in detection frequency.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2020-528/# This report provides both field and impact data on microlitter pollution in the arctic marine environment of Svalbard and Greenland. Microlitter concentrations and characteristics were determined in marine sediments and biota in relation to local sources. Higher concentrations and diversities were found closer to human settlements and sites where lost/dumped fishing gear accumulated. Thus, local microlitter sources were found to be present in the Arctic. The experimental studies on effects of microlitter on feeding rate, microplastic ingestion, respiration and locomotion activity in an arctic amphipod, confirmed previous studies showing effects only at very high concentrations, not yet relevant in the arctic environment. The relatively low field concentrations of microlitter found in this study should be regarded as a ‘window of opportunity’ to act to at least reduce local pollution.

Marine Bivalve Mollusks and Emerging Pollutants: Toxicological Impacts provides the most updated and comprehensive knowledge of the toxicological impacts of a variety of emerging pollutants on marine bivalve mollusk species. In addition to synthesizing recent toxicological findings, the book also discusses toxification mechanisms, current challenges, and future research prospects. Written by international experts, this book assesses new advances in the toxicological impacts of pollutants, including microplastics, bromide flame retardants, nanomaterials, pharmaceutical residues, personal care products, pesticides, and perfluorinated compounds. In addition, it details how these can affect reproduction, embryonic development, metabolism, and immune systems of marine bivalves. Behavioral responses and neuroendocrine regulation is also discussed. Toxification mechanisms are interpreted at both physiological and molecular levels. The book concludes with current research and environmental challenges and potentials for further, future study techniques. - Includes the latest findings of pollutant toxicological impacts - Interprets recent understandings of underpinning toxification mechanisms - Identifies limitations and challenges in current studies

This book focuses on different aspects of microplastic pollution, offering authors and readers the opportunity to share their knowledge, identify issues and propose solutions and actions to face this environmental threat. Although plastic pollution is a well-known global problem, the recent discovery of microplastics and nanoplastics in seas and oceans represents a very alarming new environmental challenge. The book offers comprehensive insights into the origins of the problem, its impact on marine environments, particularly the Mediterranean Sea and coasts, and the current research trends aimed at finding technical solutions to mitigate the phenomenon. It is primarily intended for scientists and decision makers from industry, international, national and local institutions and NGOs

This book addresses a broad range of issues concerning microplastic pollution, including microplastic pollution in various environments (freshwater, marine, air and soil); the sources, fate and effects of microplastics; detection systems for microplastic pollution monitoring; green approaches for the synthesis of environmentally friendly polymers; recovery and recycling of marine plastics; wastewater treatment plants as a microplastic entrance route; nanoplastics as emerging pollutants; degradation of plastics in the marine environment; impacts of microplastics on marine life; microplastics: from marine pollution to the human food chain; mitigation of microplastic impacts and innovative solutions; sampling, extraction, purification and identification approaches for microplastics; adsorption and transport of pollutants on and in microplastics; and lastly, the socio-economic and environmental impacts: assessment and risk analysis. In addition to presenting cutting-edge information and highlighting current trends and issues, the book proposes concrete solutions to help face this significant environmental threat. It is chiefly intended for researchers and industry decision-makers; international, national and local institutions; and NGOs, providing them with comprehensive information on the origin of the problem; its effects on marine environments, with a particular focus on the Mediterranean Sea and coasts; and recent and ongoing research activities and projects aimed at finding technical solutions to mitigate the phenomenon.