Polystyrene Spherules in Coastal Waters

Edward J. Carpenter; Susan J. Anderson; George R. Harvey; Helen P. Miklas; Bradford B. Peck

doi:10.1126/science.178.4062.749

Abstract

Polystyrene spherules averaging 0.5 millimeter in diameter (range 0.1 to 2 millimeters) are abundant in the coastal waters of southern New England. Two types are present, a crystalline (clear) form and a white, opaque form with pigmentation resulting from a diene rubber. The spherules have bacteria on their surfaces and contain polychlorinated biphenyls, apparently absorbed from ambient seawater, in a concentration of 5 parts per million. White, opaque spherules are selectively consumed by 8 species of fish out of 14 species examined, and a chaetognath. Ingestion of the plastic may lead to intestinal blockage in smaller fish.

Keywords

PolystyreneSeawaterFish <Actinopterygii>OpacityMicroplasticsEnvironmental chemistryChemistryEnvironmental scienceEcologyBiologyFisheryOrganic chemistryPolymer

Affiliated Institutions

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution US

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Publication Info

Year: 1972
Type: article
Volume: 178
Issue: 4062
Pages: 749-750
Citations: 1060
Access: Closed

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APA Style

                            
                                
                                    Edward J. Carpenter, 
                                
                                    Susan J. Anderson, 
                                
                                    George R. Harvey
                                
                                et al.
                            
                            (1972). 
                            Polystyrene Spherules in Coastal Waters. 
                            Science
                            , 178
                            (4062)
                            , 749-750.
                            https://doi.org/10.1126/science.178.4062.749
                        

Identifiers

DOI: 10.1126/science.178.4062.749