Gysbrechts, S. (2019). Microplastics in zee: effect op het mariene leven. MA Thesis. Hogere Zeevaartschool Antwerpen, Faculteit Wetenschappen: Antwerpen. x, 118 pp.
My thesis subscribes the ecological problems which are created due to microplastics in the aquatic environment.Chapter 2 explains what plastics exactly are and how they are produced. We can distinguish two main categories, namely thermoplastic and thermoset polymers. Also the importance of chemical additives is discussed.Further on in chapter 3 we continue with the degradation process of polymers in the different marine zones. Also the term “microplastics” is defined and their different sources are specified. In addition the share of the maritime sector in plastic pollution is discussed. The last topic of this chapter is the spatial distribution of microplastics in the environment and the factors that influence this distribution.Chapter 4 explains the relation between persistent organic pollutants and microplastics. These POPs are toxic and exert their influence on the health of organisms.Further on in chapter 5 we look at the effect of microplastics on fauna. The behaviour of the organisms, the physical damage and the toxic compounds of microplastics after ingestion are discussed.In chapter 6 the occurrence of microplastics in specific animal species is discussed.Finally our overall conclusion is that the presence of microplastics in the marine environment has a significant influence on the health of animals. Nowadays much research is done due to the fact the fact that the extent of this problem is well known.
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