What have we learned about microplastics over the last 20 years? This episode surveys two decades of ocean microplastics science: where microplastics come from (fibers, tires, fragmentation, microbeads), where they’re found (shorelines, water column, sea ice, deep sea), and what research shows about impacts across food webs and ecosystems. It also unpacks major gaps—nanoplastics, fragmentation rates, and the thousands of chemicals used in plastics—plus why scientists argue for a precautionary approach even as human-health research evolves. Finally, learn how microplastics are measured at sea (manta trawls, spectroscopy) and why contamination control matters. The episode connects the science to policy, including the UN Plastics Treaty debates over production cuts vs waste management.
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Special thanks to the Monterey Bay Aquarium for sponsoring this episode.
Episode Guests: Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones
Follow Dr. Courtene Jones on Blue Sky
Find the article 20 Years of Microplastic Research: What have we learned?
Connect with the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty on LinkedIn
Review Dr Courtene-Jones’ publications on Google Scholar
Explore artwork by Benjamin Von Wong
Listen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Plastic Podcast: The Truth about Biodegradable Plastics
Plastic Podcast: Busan and Beyond - A UN Treaty on Plastics
Episode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media website
Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
Hosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese
Cover art by Jomiro Eming
Theme music by Nela Ruiz
Find some more Pine Forest Media podcasts below
Listen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
Listen to Something in the Water on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
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