Microplastics: Addressing Ecological Risk Through Lessons Learned

There is a growing concern over the ecological risk of microplastics (MPs). Intensive use of plastic has led to a widespread distribution of plastics in the aquatic environment, where a significant part is present as MPs – i.e. plastic particles < 5 mm. The apparent magnitude of the problem calls for quickly developing sound scientific guidance on the ecological risks of MPs. In this study we suggest future research into MP risks should be guided by lessons learned from the more advanced and better understood areas of (eco)toxicology of engineered nanoparticles and mixture toxicity. We further proposed an expansion of the understanding of vector effects to include three levels of vector effects, and finally we address the need development of more advanced techniques for environmental sampling