Microplastics in freshwater systems A review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritisation of research needs ww sciencedirect com wat e r r e s e a r c h 7 5 ( 2 0 1 5 ).
w a t e r r e s e a r c h ( ) e8 Available online at www.sciencedirect.com ScienceDirect journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/watres Review Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritisation of research needs Dafne Eerkes-Medrano a,*, Richard C Thompson b, David C Aldridge a a Aquatic Ecology Group, Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge CB2 3EJ, United Kingdom b Marine Biology and Ecology Research Centre (MBERC), School of Marine Science and Engineering, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AA, United Kingdom article info abstract Article history: Plastic contamination is an increasing environmental problem in marine systems where it Received November 2014 has spread globally to even the most remote habitats Plastic pieces in smaller size scales, Received in revised form microplastics (particles 4.75 mm Sampling mesh: 333 mm Lake Geneva, Europe Faure et al., 2012 Sediment & Surface water Size classes: