Key knowledge gaps exist in our understanding of how ocean microplastics transport bacteria and viruses – and whether this affects the health of humans and animals, researchers say.
Key knowledge gaps exist in our understanding of how ocean microplastics transport bacteria and viruses – and whether this affects the health of humans and animals, researchers say.
With millions of tons of plastic reaching the world’s oceans every year – and trillions of particles floating on the surface – the potential impacts of plastic pollution are vast.
Plastic particles are known to carry specific combinations of metals, pollutants and pathogens (bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that can cause disease).
But the new study, by the University of Exeter and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), says critical questions remain about the role of microplastics in carrying pathogens, and possible threats to food production and safety.
Read more at University of Exeter
Photo Credit: aitoff via Pixabay
