Polystyrene Spherules in Coastal Waters

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TitlePolystyrene Spherules in Coastal Waters
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication1972
AuthorsCarpenter, EJ, Anderson, SJ, Harvey, GR, Miklas, HP, Peck, BB
JournalScience
Volume178
Issue4062
Pagination749
Date Published1972/11/17
Abstract

Polystyrene spherules averaging 0.5 millimeter in diameter (range 0.1 to 2 millimeters) are abundant in the coastal waters of southern New England. Two types are present, a crystalline (clear) form and a white, opaque form with pigmentation resulting from a diene rubber. The spherules have bacteria on their surfaces and contain polychlorinated biphenyls, apparently absorbed from ambient seawater, in a concentration of 5 parts per million. White, opaque spherules are selectively consumed by 8 species of fish out of 14 species examined, and a chaetognath. Ingestion of the plastic may lead to intestinal blockage in smaller fish.

URLhttp://science.sciencemag.org/content/178/4062/749.abstract
DOI10.1126/science.178.4062.749
Short TitleScience