International Marine Litter Research Unit publications

Learn more about the publications our research has featured in

Marine litter, microplastics on the beach.

Authored and edited books, chapters and reports

Biodegradability of plastics in the open environment (2020)

Science Advice for Policy by European Academics

A scientific perspective on micro-plastics in nature and society (2019)

Science Advice for Policy by European Academics

Future of the Sea: Plastic Pollution (2017)

From: Government Office for Science. Part of: Future of the sea. Published: 3 August 2017. A report examining the trends and implications of plastic pollution in the sea. Professor Richard C. Thompson.

Analytical Methods (2017)

Themed issue of the journal Analytical Methods showcasing high quality research in the field of microplastics in the environment now published. Guest edited by: Professors Fiona Regan, Chelsea Rochman and Richard Thompson.

Marine Anthropogenic Litter (2015)

Thompson, R. C. (2015) Microplastics in the Marine Environment: Sources, Consequences and Solutions. In Marine Anthropogenic Litter (ed. M. Bergman, L. Gutow & M. Klages), pp. 447: Springer. ISBN 978-3-319-16509-7

How to communicate with stakeholders about marine litter - a short guide to influencing behavioural change cover

How to communicate with stakeholders about marine litter - a short guide to influencing behavioural change (2015)

Hartley, B. L., Holland, M., Pahl, S. & R.C., Thompson. (2015) How to communicate with stakeholders about marine litter - a short guide to influencing behavioural change. Plymouth: Plymouth University Press. ISBN 978-1-8410240

Accumulation. The material politics of Plastics cover

Accumulation. The material politics of Plastics (2013)

Thompson, R.C. (2013) Plastics, environment and health. In: Accumulation. The material politics of Plastics. Gabrys, J., Hawkins, G. and Michael, M. pp150-169.

Impacts of Marine Debris on Biodiversity: Current status and Potential Solutions cover

Impacts of Marine Debris on Biodiversity: Current status and Potential Solutions (2012)

GEF. 2012 Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel GEF, Impacts of Marine Debris on Biodiversity: Current status and Potential Solutions, vol. 67, pp. 61. Montreal. RC Thompson was lead author.

A STAP Information Document (2011)

STAP. 2011 Marine Debris as a Global Environmental Problem: Introducing a solutions based framework focused on plastic. In A STAP Information Document. , pp. 40. Washington, DC: Global Environment Facility. RC Thompson was lead author.

Marine strategy framework directive, Task Group 10 Report, Marine litter cover

Marine strategy framework directive, Task Group 10 Report, Marine litter (2010)

Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg. Galgani, F., Fleet, D., van Franeker, J., Katsanevakis, S., Maes, T., Mouat, J. Oosterbaan, L., Poitou, I., Hanke, G., Thompson, R., Amato, E., Birkun A., and Janssen, C.

Dominant wave theory (2006)

Thompson, R.C., (2006). Plastics. In: Dominant wave theory. Hughes, A. and Carson D. pp. 112-116, Booth-Clibborn, London, UK.

Articles 2017 – present

Professor Richard Thompson (2024), Will the EU take the wheel to tackle car tyre pollution?, ENDS Europe, Read the article

Parker-Jurd, F.N.F., Smith, N.S., Gibson, L., Nuojua, S., Thompson, R.C. (2022) Evaluating the performance of the ‘Seabin’ – A fixed point mechanical litter removal device for sheltered waters, Science Direct, Read the article

Napper, I. E. & Thompson, R. C. (2019) Environmental Deterioration of Biodegradable, Oxo-biodegradable, Compostable, and Conventional Plastic Carrier Bags in the Sea, Soil, and Open-Air Over a 3‑Year Period Environmental Science and Technology, in press.
Ostle, C., Thompson, R.C., Broughton, D., Gregory, L. Wootton, M. & Johns, D. (2019) The rise in ocean plastics: evidence from a 60-year time series. Nature Communications. Read the article

Windsor, F.M., Durance, I., Horton, A. A., Thompson, R.C. Tylet, C.R. & Ormerod, S.J. (2019) A catchment-scale perspective of plastic pollution’, Global Change Biology, 25: 11207-1221. Read the article

Hartmann, N.B., Hüffer, T., Thompson R.C., Hassellöv, M., Verschoor, A., Daugaard, A.E., Rist, S., Karlsson, T., Brennholt, N., Cole, M., Herrling, M.P., Heß, M., Ivleva, M.P., Lusher, A.L., & Wagner, M’ (2019) Are we speaking the same language? Recommendations for a definition and categorization framework for plastic debris?’ Environmental Science and Technology, 53: 1039-1047.
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Green, D.S., Colgan, T.J., Thompson, R.C. & Carolgan, J.C. (2019). ‘Exposure to microplastics reduces attachment strength and alters the haemolymph proteome of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis)’ Environmental Pollution, 246: 423-434.
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Botterell, Z. L. R., Beaumont, N., Dorrington, T., Steinke, M., Thompson, R.C. & Lindeque P.K. (2019). Bioavailability and effects of microplastics on marine zooplankton: A review, Environmental Pollution, 245: 98-110. Read the article

Al-Sid-Cheikh, M., Rowland, S. J., Stevenson, K., Rouleau, C., Henry, T. B. & Thompson R. C. (2018). Uptake, Whole-Body Distribution, and Depuration of Nanoplastics by the Scallop Pecten maximus at Environmentally Realistic Concentrations, Environmental Science and Technology, 52: 14480-86.
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Catarino, A. I., Macchia, V., Sanderson, W. G., Thompson, R. C. & Henry T. B. (2018). Low levels of microplastics (MP) in wild mussels indicate that MP ingestion by humans is minimal compared to exposure via household fibres fallout during a meal, Environmental Pollution, 237: 675-84. Read the article

Hartley, B.L., Pahl, S., Holland, M., Alampei, I., Veiga, J. M. & Thompson R. C. (2018). Turning the tide on trash: Empowering European educators and school students to tackle marine litter, Marine Policy, 96: 227-34. Read the article

Hartley, B.L., Pahl, S., Veiga, J., Vlachogianni, T., Vasconcelos, L., Maes, T., Doyle, T. d'Arcy Metcalfe, R. Öztürk, A. A., Di Berardo, M. &. Thompson R.C. (2018). Exploring public views on marine litter in Europe: Perceived causes, consequences and pathways to change, Marine Pollution Bulletin: 945-55.
Read the article

Hodgson, D.J., Bréchon, A.L. & Thompson, R.C. (2018). Ingestion and fragmentation of plastic carrier bags by the amphipod Orchestia gammarellus: Effects of plastic type and fouling load, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 127: 154-59. Read the article

Kanhai, L.D. Gårdfeldt, K.K. Lyashevska, O., Hassellöv, M., Thompson, R. C. & O'Connor, (2018). Microplastics in sub-surface waters of the Arctic Central Basin, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 130: 8-18. Read the article

Exploring public views on marine litter in Europe: Perceived causes, consequences and pathways to change, Marine Pollution Bulletin: 945-55. Read the article
Hodgson, D.J., Bréchon, A.L. & Thompson, R.C. (2018). Ingestion and fragmentation of plastic carrier bags by the amphipod Orchestia gammarellus: Effects of plastic type and fouling load, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 127: 154-59. Read the article

Reed, S., Clark, M., Thompson, R., and Hughes, K. A. (2018). Microplastics in marine sediments near Rothera Research Station, Antarctica, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 133: 460-63. Read the article

Sanchez-Vidal, A., Thompson, R. C., Canals, M. & De Haan, W. P. (2018). The imprint of microfibres in Southern European deep seas, Plos One,13. Read the article
Catarino, A. I., Thompson, R., Sanderson, W. & Henry, T. B. (2017). Development and optimization of a standard method for extraction of microplastics in mussels by enzyme digestion of soft tissues, Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 36: 947-51. Read the article

Erni-Cassola, G., Gibson, M. I. Thompson, R. C. & Christie-Oleza, J. A. (2017). Lost, but found with Nile Red: A novel method for detecting and quantifying small microplastics (1 mm to 20 μm) in Environmental Samples, Environmental Science and Technology, 51: 13641-48. Read the article

Green, D. S., Boots, B. O'Connor, N. E. & Thompson, R. (2017). Microplastics affect the ecological functioning of an important biogenic habitat, Environmental Science and Technology, 51: 68-77. Read the article

Kanhai, L. D. K., Officer, R. Lyashevska, O., Thompson R. C., & O'Connor. I. (2017). Microplastic abundance, distribution and composition along a latitudinal gradient in the Atlantic Ocean, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 115: 307-14. Read the article

Martin, J., Lusher, A., Thompson, R. C. & Morley, A. (2017). The Deposition and Accumulation of Microplastics in Marine Sediments and Bottom Water from the Irish Continental Shelf, Scientific Reports, 7. Read the article

Pahl, S., Wyles, K. J. & Thompson, R. C. (2017) Channelling passion for the ocean towards plastic pollution, Nature Human Behaviour, 1: 697-99. Read the article
Rochman, C. M., Regan, F. & Thompson, R. C. (2017). On the harmonization of methods for measuring the occurrence, fate and effects of microplastics, Analytical Methods, 9: 1324-25. Read the article

Sleight, V. A., Bakir, A. Thompson, R. C. & Henry, T. B. (2017). Assessment of microplastic-sorbed contaminant bioavailability through analysis of biomarker gene expression in larval zebrafish, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 116: 291-97. Read the article

Steer, M., Cole, M., Thompson, R. C. & P. K. Lindeque (2017). Microplastic ingestion in fish larvae in the western English Channel', Environmental Pollution, 226: 250-59. Read the article

Wyles, K. J., Pahl, S. Holland, M. & Thompson, R. C. (2017) Can Beach Cleans Do More Than Clean-Up Litter? Comparing Beach Cleans to Other Coastal Activities, Environment and Behavior, 49: 509-35. Read the article

Articles 2004 – 2016

Anderson, A. G., Grose, J. Pahl, S. Thompson R. C., & Wyles, K. J. (2016) Microplastics in personal care products: Exploring perceptions of environmentalists, beauticians and students, Marine Pollution Bulletin, 113: 454-60. Read the article

Gago, J., Galgani, F., Maes, T. & Thompson, R. C. (2016) Microplastics in seawater: Recommendations from the marine strategy framework directive implementation process, Frontiers in Marine Science, 3. Read the article

Rochman, C. M., Browne, M. A. Underwood, A. J. Van Franeker, J. A. Thompson, R. C. & Amaral-Zettler, L. A. (2016). The ecological impacts of marine debris: Unravelling the demonstrated evidence from what is perceived, Ecology, 97: 302-12. Read the article

Napper, I. E. & Thompson, R. C. (2016) Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines: Effects of fabric type and washing conditions. Marine Pollution Bulletin 112, 39-45. Read the article.

Bakir A, O'Connor IA, Rowland SJ, Hendriks AJ & Thompson R.C. (2016) Relative importance of microplastics as a pathway for the transfer of hydrophobic organic chemicals to marine life. Environmental pollution 219, 56-65. Read the article.

Wyles, K. J., Pahl, S., Thomas, K. & Thompson, R. C. (2016) Factors That Can Undermine the Psychological Benefits of Coastal Environments: Exploring the Effect of Tidal State, Presence, and Type of Litter. Environment and Behavior 48, 1095-1126. Read the article.

Veiga, J. M., Vlachogianni, T., Pahl, S., Thompson, R. C., Kopke, K., Doyle, T. K., Hartley, B. L., Maes, T., Orthodoxou, D. L., Loizidou, X. I. & Alampei, I. (2016) Enhancing public awareness and promoting co-responsibility for marine litter in Europe: The challenge of MARLISCO. Marine Pollution Bulletin 102, 309-315. Read the article.

Napper, I. E., Bakir, A., Rowland, S. J. & Thompson, R. C. (2015) Characterisation, Quantity and Sorptive Properties of Microplastics Extracted From Cosmetics. Marine Pollution Bulletin 99, 178-185. Read the article

Green, D. S., Boots, B., Blockley, D. J., Rocha, C. & Thompson, R.C.(2015) Impacts of Discarded Plastic Bags on Marine Assemblages and Ecosystem functioning. Environmental Science and Technology 49, 5380-5389. Read the article

Gall, S. C. & Thompson, R.C. (2015) The impact of debris on marine life. Marine Pollution Bulletin 92, 170-179. Read the article

Browne, M. A., Chapman, M. G., Thompson, R. C., Zettler, L. A. A., Jambeck, J. & Mallos, N. J. (2015) Spatial and Temporal Patterns of Stranded Intertidal Marine Debris: Is There a Picture of Global Change? Environmental Science & Technology 49, 7082-7094. Read the article

Woodall, L. C., Gwinnett, C., Packer, M., Thompson, R. C., Robinson, L. F. & Paterson, G. L. J. (2015) Using a forensic science approach to minimize environmental contamination and to identify microfibres in marine sediments. Marine Pollution Bulletin 95, 40-46. Read the article

Browne, M. A., Underwood, A. J., Chapman, M. G., Williams, R., Thompson, R.C. & van Franeker, J. A. (2015) Linking effects of anthropogenic debris to ecological impacts. Proceedings of the Royal Society B-Biological Sciences 282. Read the article

Eerkes-Medrano,D., Thompson, R. C. & Aldridge, D. C. (2015) Microplastics in freshwater systems: A review of the emerging threats, identification of knowledge gaps and prioritisation of research needs. Water Research 75,63-82. Read the article

Wyles, K. J., Pahl, S., Thomas, K. & Thompson R.C. (2015) Factors that can undermine the psychological benefits of coastal environments: exploring the effect of tidal state, presence, and type of litter. Environment and Behaviour 15/07/15, 1-32. Read the article

Hartley, B.L., Thompson, R.C. & Pahl, S. (2015) Marine litter education boosts children’s understanding and self-reported actions. Marine Pollution Bulletin 90 (1-2), 209-217. Read the article

Woodall, L.C., Sanchez-Vidal, A., Canals, M., Paterson, G.L.J., Coppock, R., Sleight, V., Calafat, A., Rogers, A.D., Narayanaswamy, B.E. & Thompson R.C. (2014) The deep sea is a major sink for microplastic debris. Royal Society Open Science 1, 140317. Read the article

Obbard, R.W., Sadri, S., Wong, Y.Q., Khitun, A.A., Baker, I. & Thompson, R.C. (2014) Global warming releases microplastic legacy frozen in Arctic Sea ice. Earth’s Future 2, 315-320. Read the article

Law, K.L. & Thompson R.C. (2014) Microplastics in the seas. Science, 345, 144-145. Read the article

Bakir, A., S.J. Rowland, & Thompson R.C., (2014) Transport of persistent organic pollutants by microplastics in estuarine conditions. Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, 140, 14-21.

Bakir, A., Rowland, S.J., & Thompson, R.C. (2014) Enhanced desorption of persistent organic pollutants from microplastics under simulated physiological conditions. Environmental Pollution 185, 16-23. Read the article

Sadri, S.S. & Thompson R.C. (2014) On the quantity and composition of floating plastic debris entering and leaving the Tamar Estuary, Southwest England. Marine Pollution Bulletin 81, 55-60 Read the article

Holmes, L.A., A. Turner, & R.C. Thompson, (2014) Interactions between trace metals and plastic production pellets under estuarine conditions. Marine Chemistry 167, p. 25-32.

Koelmans, A.A., Gouin, T., Thompson, R., Wallace, N & Arthur, C. (2014), Plastics in the marine environment. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 33, 5–10. Read the article

Rochman, C.M. Browne, M.A., Halpern, B.S.,Hentschel, B.T., Hoh, E., Karapangioti, K., Rios, L.M., Takada, H.,Teh, S. & Thompson, R.C. (2013) Classify Plastics as hazardous. Nature 494, 170-171. Read the article

Browne M.A., Niven S.J., Galloway T.S., Rowland, S.J. & Thompson, R.C. (2013) Microplastic Moves Pollutants and Additives to Worms, Reducing Functions Linked to Health and Biodiversity. Current Biology 23, 2388-2392. Read the article

Wright, S.L., Rowe, D. Thompson, R.C. & Galloway T.S. (2013) Microplastic ingestion decreases energy reserves in marine worms. Current Biology 23, R1031-R1033, Read the article

Lusher, A. L., McHugh, M. & Thompson, R. C. (2013) Occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of pelagic and demersal fish from the English Channel. Marine Pollution Bulletin 67, 94-99. Read the article

Wright, S. Thompson, R.C., & Galloway, T.S. (2013) The physical impacts of microplastics in marine organisms: a review. Environmental Pollution 178, 483-492. Read the article

Bakir, A., Rowland, S. J. & Thompson, R. C. (2012) Competitive sorption of persistent organic pollutants onto microplastics in the marine environment. Marine Pollution Bulletin 64: 2782-2789. Read the article

Hidalgo-Ruz, V., Gutow, L., Thompson, R. C. & Thiel, M. (2012) Microplastics in the Marine Environment: A Review of the Methods Used for Identification and Quantification. Environmental Science & Technology 46, 3060-3075. Read the article

Holmes, L. A., Turner, A. & Thompson, R. C. (2012) Adsorption of trace metals to plastic resin pellets in the marine environment. Environmental Pollution 160, 42-48. Read the article

Browne, M. A., Crump, P., Niven, S. J., Teuten, E., Tonkin, A., Galloway, T. & Thompson, R. (2011) Accumulation of Microplastic on Shorelines Woldwide: Sources and Sinks. Environmental Science & Technology 45, 9175-9179. Read the article

Browne, M. A.; Galloway, T. S., & Thompson, R. C., (2010) Spatial Patterns of Plastic Debris along Estuarine Shorelines. Environmental Science & Technology, 44, 3404-3409. Read the article

O’Brine, T. & Thompson, R.C. (2010) Degradation of plastic carrier bags in the marine environment Marine pollution Bulletin 60, 2279-2283. Read the article

Thompson, R.C., Moore, C.M., vom Saal, F.S. & Swan, S.H. (2009) Our plastic age. Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society B., 364, 1973-1976. Read the article

Thompson, R.C., Moore, C.M., vom Saal, F.S. & Swan, S.H. (2009) Plastics, the environment and human health: current consensus and future trends. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B., 364, 2153-2166. Read the article

Thompson, R. C., Swan, S. H., Moore, C. & vom Saal, F. S. 2009 Our Plastic Age Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B 364, 1973-1976. Read the article

Barnes, D.K.A., Galgani, F., Thompson, R.C. & Barlaz, M. (2009) Accumulation and fragmentation of plastic debris in global environments. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B., 364, 1985-1998. Read the article

Teuten, E.L., Saquing, J.M., Knappe, D.R.U., Barlaz, M.A., Jonsson, S., Björn, A., Rowland, S.J., Thompson, R.C., Galloway, T.S., Yamashita, R., Ochi, D., Watanuki, Y., Moore, C.M., Viet, P., Tana, T.S., Prudente, M., Boonyatumanond, R., Zakaria, M.P., Akkhavong, K., Ogata, Y., Hirai, H., Iwasa, S., Mizukawa, K., Hagino, Y., Imamura, A., Saha, M. & Takada, H. (2009) Transport and release of chemicals from plastics to the environment and to wildlife. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 364, 2027-2045. Read the article

Ogata, Y., Takada, H., Master, M.K., Hirai, H., Iwasa, S., Endo, S., Mato, Y., Mahua, S.M., Okuda, K., Nakashima, A., Murakami, M., Zurcher, N., Booyatumanondo, R., Zakaria, M.P., Le Q Dung, D., Gordon, M., Miguez, C., Suzuki, S., Moore, C.M., Karapanagioti, H., Weerts, S., McClurg, T., Burres, E., Smith, W., Velkenburg, M.V., Lang, J.S., Lang, R., Laursen, D., Danner, B., Stewardson, N. & Thompson, R.C. (2009) International Pellet Watch : Global monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in coastal waters. 1. Initial phase data on PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58, 1437-1446. Read the article

Browne, M.A., Dissanayake, A., Galloway, T.S., Lowe, D.M. & Thompson R.C. (2008). Ingested microscopic plastic translocates to the circulatory system of the mussel, Mytilus edulis (L.) Environmental Science and Technology 42, 5026-5031 Read the article

Teuten, E.L., Rowland, S.J., Galloway, T.S. & Thompson R.C. (2007). Potential for Plastics to Transport Hydrophobic Contaminants. Environmental Science and Technology 41, 7759-7764 Read the article

Browne, M.A., Galloway, T., & Thompson R. (2007). Microplastic – an emerging contaminant of potential concern? Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management 3, 559–566 10. Read the article

Thompson, R., Moore, C., Andrady, A., Gregory, M., Takada, H. & Weisberg S. (2005). New directions in plastic debris. Science 310, 1117. Read the article

Thompson, R.C., Olsen, Y., Mitchell, R.P., Davis, A., Rowland, S.J., John, A.W.G., McGonigle, D. & Russell A.E. (2004). Lost at sea: Where does all the plastic go? Science 304, 838. Read the article