Are we speaking the same language? Recommendations for a definition and categorization framework for plastic debris

The accumulation of plastic litter in natural environments is a global issue. Concerns over potential negative impacts on the economy, wildlife, and human health provide strong incentives for improving the sustainable use of plastics. Despite the many voices raised on the issue, we lack a consensus...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Environmental science & technology Vol. 53; no. 3; p. 1039
Main Authors:	Hartmann, Nanna, Hüffer, Thorsten, Thompson, Richard C, Hassellöv, Martin, Verschoor, Anja, Daugaard, Anders Egede, Rist, Sinja, Karlsson, Therese My, Brennholt, Nicole, Cole, Matt, Herrling, Maria Pia, Heß, Maren, Ivleva, Natalia P, Lusher, Amy L, Wagner, Martin
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	United States 05.02.2019
ISSN:	1520-5851, 1520-5851
Online Access:	Get more information
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Summary:	The accumulation of plastic litter in natural environments is a global issue. Concerns over potential negative impacts on the economy, wildlife, and human health provide strong incentives for improving the sustainable use of plastics. Despite the many voices raised on the issue, we lack a consensus on how to define and categorize plastic debris. This is evident for microplastics, where inconsistent size classes are used, and where the materials to be included are under debate. While this is inherent in an emerging research field, an ambiguous terminology results in confusion and miscommunication that may compromise progress in research and mitigation measures. Therefore, we need to be explicit on what exactly we consider plastic debris. Thus, we critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a unified terminology, propose a definition and categorization framework and highlight areas of uncertainty. Going beyond size classes, our framework includes physico-chemical properties (polymer composition, solid state, solubility) as defining criteria and size, shape, color, and origin as classifiers for categorization. Acknowledging the rapid evolution of our knowledge on plastic pollution, our framework will promote consensus-building within the scientific and regulatory community based on a solid scientific foundation.
Bibliography:	ObjectType-Article-1 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-2 content type line 23
ISSN:	1520-5851 1520-5851
DOI:	10.1021/acs.est.8b05297