Sources of microplastic-pollution to the marine environment

The overall objective of this study ordered by the Norwegian Environment Agency is to provide a good overview of the different sources contributing to microplastic pollution both in Norway and globally. For Norway, we also provide a first assessment of the type and amount of microplastics each source contributes.
Importantly, we characterize the microplastic sources only at their upstream origin, ideally just where the microplastic particles start their “life” as environmental pollutants, for example at “the start of the pipe”, on land or at sea.