The Microplastics Initiatives of Adventure Scientists conducted surveys of microplastics pollution in aquatic ecosystems from 2013-2017. In this project, Adventure Scientists, in partnership with Ocean Analytics, conducted a Global Microplastic Initiatives- in order to fill a data gap critical to addressing the problem. The initiative utilized a network of trained volunteers to collect water samples across the world’s oceans. 1,058 volunteer-led expeditions collected 2,677 water samples over four years and spanning each continent and every ocean. The data contain microplastic pieces per L of water.

This dataset contains surface microplastics (i.e., plastics measuring less than 5mm, reported in unit of pieces/m^3) concentration in the global ocean collected by the Oceaneye Association. Microplastics data was collected from 2011-08-31 to 2021-10-05 using manta nets by several trained volunteer groups and Citizen Scientists. This dataset contains the results from all 802 sampling efforts, in a spreadsheet format.

This study was carried out to estimate the microplastics (i.e. plastics measuring less than 5mm, reported in unit of pieces/m^3) concentration in four coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea, namely, Saronikos Gulf, Ligurian Sea, Gulf of Lion, and Gabes Gulf. Microplastics data was collected from 2018-09-05 to 2019-11-20 using manta net. This dataset contains the results from all 71 surface net tows, in a spreadsheet format.

A review of peer-reviewed publications was undertaken, focusing on coastal and marine microplastics relevant to South Eastern Australia (South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales), as well as from ongoing citizen science programmes from AUSMAP (https://www.ausmap.org/). This dataset summarises basic information about the microplastics studies: the location of the study; if the study focused on water, sediment or biota; the type of biota (for biotic studies); and the DOI of the publication. Although the primary focus of this study was restricted to southeastern Australia, studies collated from other regions have also been included in this dataset. The outcomes of the literature review for other regions (QLD, NT, SA, WA, Tas) should not be considered comprehensive.

The San Francisco Estuary Institute and 5 Gyres completed a comprehensive regional study of microplastic pollution of a major urban estuary and adjacent ocean environment, sampling in stormwater, treated wastewater, surface water, sediment, and prey fish.

This study estimated the load of surface microplastics in the surface waters around Scotland from 2014-01-06 to 2020-01-18. Microplastics data were collected using neuston net aboard MRV Scotia, MRV Alba na Mara and RV Sir John Murray. This dataset contains the results from all 398 surface net tows, in a spreadsheet format.

This record provides an overview of the scope and research output of NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub Project E3 - "Microplastics in the Australian marine environment". No data outputs are expected for this project. A literature review will firstly identify key marine microplastics research and policy development internationally, with a focus on research that is contextual to microplastics in the Australian marine environment From this literature review, an options paper will be developed to explore the most feasible and impactful policy approaches for the Australian context to reduce both intentionally added and not intentionally added microplastics in the marine environment (it would be beneficial to understand the policy options that can address both categories of microplastics because the options are different). These two reports would form the basis of a one day workshop that will draw together policy-makers, researchers and relevant industry peak bodies to discuss and recommend policy and other options to limit the release / impact of microplastics in the environment. A workshop report will be drafted to summarise findings, recommendations, and next steps (including identifying gaps in both science and policy will inform any future work required). The report will provide evidence to underpin the development of national policy aimed at reducing microplastic pollution, including by identifying priority actions to deliver Australia’s 2018 National Waste Policy .

These are the raw data associated with the manuscript, "Quantification of microplastics in sediments from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island USA using a novel isolation and extraction method" All raw data also appears within supplementary materials of this publication. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Cashman, M., T. Langknecht, D. El Khatib, R. Burgess, T. Boving, S. Robinson, and K. Ho. Quantification of microplastics in sediments from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island USA using a novel isolation and extraction method. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, USA, 174: 113254, (2022).

These are the raw data associated with the manuscript, "Quantification of microplastics in sediments from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island USA using a novel isolation and extraction method" All raw data also appears within supplementary materials of this publication. This dataset is associated with the following publication: Cashman, M., T. Langknecht, D. El Khatib, R. Burgess, T. Boving, S. Robinson, and K. Ho. Quantification of microplastics in sediments from Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island USA using a novel isolation and extraction method. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN. Elsevier Science Ltd, New York, NY, USA, 174: 113254, (2022).

This study estimated the concentration of microplastics (i.e. plastics measuring less than 5mm; reported in unit of items/kg d.w.) in shoreline and seabed sediments in the Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island, USA, during 2020-09-25 to 2021-06-03. Microplastics in the shoreline sediments were collected using a metal spoon while those in the seabed sediments were collected using a Van Veen grab sampler. Data on sediment dry weight (reported in unit of g) and individual counts of microplastic fibers, fragments and films are provided. This dataset contains the results from all 76 shoreline and 7 seabed sediment samples, in a spreadsheet format.