Publication Abstract

The Possible Impacts of Microplastics on Marine Chemical Risk Assessments

The Possible Impacts of Microplastics on Marine Chemical Risk Assessments

Edward J. Smith*, Maximillian A. La Vedrine*, Anthony Millais*, Denise Doran*, Lynn Jones*, Robert Rowles*, Steven Supple* and Joanna Corton*

Horizon scanning for new and emerging environmental contaminants that may impact chemical risk assessments performed for the marine environment is a key process in developing up-to-date environmental risk assessment schemes to ensure the sustainable use of the marine environment. Microplastics are one such emerging contaminant of the marine environment. Microplastics are plastic particles with a width of less than 1 mm. They are produced by various human activities, which leads to the presence of macroscopic pieces of plastic in the marine environment. These plastic particles are subjected to the action of marine processes to yield progressively smaller micro particles. Microplastic particles can act as substrates for the binding of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Therefore the environmental burden of these micro plastic particles may be caused not only by the toxicity of the plastic, but also by the toxicity caused by interactions with POPs, combined with a low potential for biodegradation. We present an overview of the current knowledge base on microplastics and relate this to potential impacts on the chemical risk assessments performed on offshore oil and gas installations.

Edward J. Smith*, Maximillian A. La Vedrine*, Anthony Millais*, Denise Doran*, Lynn Jones*, Robert Rowles*, Steven Supple* and Joanna Corton*

RSC / EOSCA CHEMISTRY IN THE OIL INDUSTRY XI: Regulation Meets Innovation - Moving Forward, 2-4 November 2009, Manchester Conference Centre, UK