Topic Microplastics

Published: 20 May 2026

Food and drink related litter dominates global plastic pollution

Plastic bottle floating in the sea

A new study led by the University of Plymouth reveals the most common types of marine litter worldwide

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Last updated: 19 May 2026

Current and future effects of microplastics on marine ecosystems (the MINIMISE project)

Plastic marine litter

Delivering new knowledge of the risks posed by microplastics

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Last updated: 18 May 2026

Plastic litter

Plastic pollution is a global environmental problem that has major detrimental impacts on the environment, economies and human health.

This study identifies for the first time the most abundant categories of debris at national, regional, and global scales, indicating not only where to prioritise interventions, but also which specific types of items to focus on. The research provides critical evidence to guide industry and policy on specific points of focus needed to address plastic pollution. For example, our research indicates actions on food and beverage related plastics are a key priority across 93% of nations worldwide.

Richard Thompson OBE FRSProfessor Richard Thompson OBE FRS
Professor in Marine Biology

The evidence for action on plastic pollution in our oceans and seas is now undeniable. Compiling a harmonised dataset of this scale was a complex, years-long undertaking, but it has allowed us to map the most abundant items across global shorelines like never before.

My time researching with the International Marine Litter Research Unit at the University of Plymouth has been a true highlight of my career, and I'm incredibly proud that our hard work is now published and ready to be used as a practical tool for global change.
Dr Max Kelly
Post-Doctoral Research Fellow and the study’s lead author

Last updated: 6 May 2026

Defining plastic-induced liver injury (PILI)

Plastic waste in water

Do plastics make liver disease worse? Exploring their interaction with alcohol, diet and inflammation

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Last updated: 6 May 2026

Clinical liver assessment of risk, injury and toxicity from micro- and nanoplastics (CLARITY)

Graphic representing the human liver

How plastics affect liver disease in patients

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Published: 23 April 2026

Scientists explore whether plastic particles could be linked to significant rises in liver disease

Illustration of a liver for Environmental Hepatology Plymouth

The connection has been suggested in a new article written by experts in microplastics and liver disease from our Centre of Environmental Hepatology

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Last updated: 25 March 2026

Minister for the Cabinet Office briefed on University's world-leading marine and maritime research

The Rt Hon David Lidington CBE MP (centre) with, from left, Professor Kevin Jones, Vice-Chancellor Professor Judith Petts CBE, Professor Deborah Greaves OBE and Professor Richard Thompson OBE

The Minister for the Cabinet Office, the Rt Hon David Lidington CBE MP, visited the University to see marine and maritime excellence in action

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Last updated: 17 March 2026

How can we turn the tide on plastic pollution?

Waves pushing plastic waste to the beach.

Discover why there is a global plastic emergency and how scientists are working to provide solutions

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Last updated: 17 March 2026

Parliamentary Evidence Week

Houses of Parliament, Westminster

University of Plymouth’s partnership with Sense about Science (SaS) for Evidence Week in Parliament

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Last updated: 10 March 2026

The Queen's Anniversary Prize for pioneering research on marine microplastics pollution and its impact on the environment and changing behaviour

Plastic water bottle on a beach

Our ground-breaking research into microplastics pollution has received the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a higher education institution

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