Improving the realism and the relevance of microplastic effect tests

Samenvatting

Microplastics are found everywhere in the environment and may pose a risk to many organisms. This thesis investigates the effects of microplastics on aquatic species, focusing on freshwater and marine benthic organisms. These organisms often encounter high concentrations of microplastics since sediments function as sinks for these particles. The research aimed to understand what is known about microplastic effects, assess the quality of studies, and develop a systematic method for testing them. Findings showed that some species experienced a reduction in growth and reproduction, while most organisms did not. The study also examined how organisms ingest microplastics and the factors influencing their harmful effects. Ultimately, this research helps improve how we assess the environmental risks of microplastics and suggests future research directions.