In this episode, Emily Ford discusses the issue of marine microplastic pollution. Some topics covered include the negative effects of microplastics on the environment, scientific research on cleaning technologies, and a discussion of what individuals and nations can do to prevent further pollution.

Disclaimer: This podcast was created by a high school student playing the role of a researcher.

References:

Shim, W. J., & Thomposon, R. C. (2015). Microplastics in the ocean. Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology, 69(3), 265-268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-015-0216-x

Mato, Y., Isobe, T., Takada, H., Kanehiro, H., Ohtake, C., & Kaminuma, T. (2001). Plastic resin pellets as a transport medium for toxic chemicals in the marine environment. Environmental science & technology, 35(2), 318–324. https://doi.org/10.1021/es0010498

Arossa, S., Martin, C., Rossbach, S., & Duarte, C. (2019). Microplastic removal by Red Sea giant clam (Tridacna maxima). Environmental Pollution, 252, 1257–1266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.149

Liu, S., Leung, M., Fang, J., & Chua, S. (2021). Engineering a microbial ‘trap and release’ mechanism for microplastics removal. Chemical Engineering Journal, 404. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2020.127079

Henderson, L., & Green, C. (2020). Making sense of microplastics? Public understandings of plastic pollution. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 152, 110908. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.110908

Xanthos, D., & Walker, T. (2017). International policies to reduce plastic marine pollution from single-use plastics (plastic bags and microbeads): A review. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 118(1–2), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.02.048

Environmental Protection Agency. (2021, April 29). Chemicals and Toxics Topics. https://www.epa.gov/environmental-topics/chemicals-and-toxics-topics