Current Status and Issues of Microplastic Pollution Research

We reviewed the environmental impacts of microplastics, discussed the dynamics of microplastics in the aquatic environment and their impacts on marine ecosystems, and introduced the latest analytical methods for microplastics, especially for samples with small particle sizes. Regarding the situation of microplastics in land areas and rivers, the numerical and mass concentrations of microplastics in rivers all over Japan and the estimated total amount of plastics discharged from Japan’s land areas to the ocean were determined. Regarding the state of microplastics in the sea, the dynamics of microplastics in Tokyo Bay and the uptake of microplastics by marine life were determined. For the analysis of microplastics, the methods of sampling, pretreatment, and equipment measurement and their ploblems were summarized, and a technical perspective was presented. It is essential to clarify the dynamics of microplastics in the environment and their impact on ecosystems in order to plan effective and efficient measures for the proper use and management of plastics in the social system. We hope that the information introduced in this paper will contribute to these activities.