Scientific discoveries
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H2004 – First scientific paper describing microplastics
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H2007 – First paper on chemical transport to organisms by microplastic
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H2008 – First paper showing ingestion and retention of microplastics by organisms
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H2011 – First paper showing global distribution of microplastics
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H2013 – First paper showing microplastic ingested by natural populations of commercially important fish
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H2014 – First papers showing substantial accumulation of microplastics in Arctic and deep sea
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H2015 – First paper quantifying microbeads from cosmetic products
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H2017 – First paper quantifying release of microfibres from textiles
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H2018 – First paper showing distribution of nanoplastic throughout the body of a marine invertebrate
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H2020 – First study revealing vehicle tyres as a substantial source of marine microplastics
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 Read our research publications
2019 – present
Pioneering microplastics researcher awarded the 2023 Blue Planet Prize
- Professor Richard Thompson and other leading academics from the University attended the COP28 Climate Change Conference. The University hosted a side event with an international panel of experts, and co-sponsored a Side Event with the Renewable Energy Association.
- Professor Richard Thompson was a panel member for the COP28 Indonesia Pavilion Event to discuss the
PISCES project as part of the theme: Collaborative Approach on Waste Economic Circularity Towards Climate Action in Indonesia.
- To consider a sectoral approach as a key requirement.
- Using the example of fishing gear which requires a different approach than other plastic pollution – looking at its full life span including design, production, marking and tracking etc.
- Professor Richard Thompson is among the scientists on the Minderoo-Monaco Commission on Plastics and Human Health, which has revealed a never-before-seen analysis showing plastic as a hazard at every stage of its life cycle.
- The Commission urges that a cap on global plastic production be a defining feature of the Global Plastics Treaty.
- University press release –
University scientist works on report highlighting plastic’s threat to human and planetary health .
- Professor Richard Thompson and Dr Imogen Napper contribute to article published in the journal Science calling for a new legally-binding treaty to ensure Earth’s orbit isn’t irreparably harmed by the future expansion of the global space industry.
- Any agreement, should include measures to implement producer and user responsibility for satellites and debris, from the time they launch onwards. Such considerations are consistent with current proposals to address ocean plastic pollution as countries begin negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty.
- University press release –
Scientists call for global push to eliminate space debris .
- Professor Richard Thompson and other leading academics from the University attended the COP27 Climate Change Conference. They participated in expert panels and exhibitions to discuss the issues facing our planet and some of the potential solutions.
- The IMLRU contribution focused on the accumulation of plastics in the environment and their impact on climate change.
Volvo Environment Prize 2022 awarded for world-leading microplastics research
- Our team carried out a study to evaluate the performance of a Seabin device to remove plastics and other items of marine litter.
- View the full research paper here – Evaluating the performance of the ‘Seabin’ – A fixed point mechanical litter removal device for sheltered waters.
- University related press release – Research explores the potential for mechanical devices to clear the ocean of plastics.
- Our researchers outline their support for a coordinated, comprehensive and robust intergovernmental approach to reducing plastic pollution.
- Professor Richard Thompson contributed to the report which was discussed at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) meeting in February 2022.
- In March 2022 the UNEA adopted a resolution towards an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.
- University related press release – Leading UK marine scientists welcome the move towards a global plastics pact.
- The topic of plastic pollution has received considerable global attention and as a consequence, was the focus of a recent UNEA 5.2 resolution entitled ‘End Plastic Pollution: Towards an internationally legally binding instrument’.
- This online discussion, question and answer session with experts from industry, policy and academia helped to identify the critical science and innovation needed to tackle this global environmental challenge.
Terrestrial borne litter in the marine environment (2021)
Research Excellence Framework 2021
World number 1 for marine impact
- The National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) launched a campaign in 2017 to 'End Plastic Soup'. It explored the scale of microplastic fibre pollution and called on the government and industry to develop solutions to the problem. This campaign saw the launch of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Microplastics in September 2020.
- Professor Richard Thompson and Dr Imogen Napper's research on the release of microplastic fibres from laundering clothing informed the APPG on their 2021 report 'Microplastic policies for Government'.
- The report received national media coverage and was referenced by the Environmental Audit Committee in Parliament in its inquiry into the environmental impact of fashion.
- The Defra-funded project led by Professor Richard Thompson, supported by Dr Imogen Napper and Florence Parker-Jurd is one of the first worldwide to reveal substantial quantities of tyre particles contaminating our rivers and oceans.
- View the full study here – Investigation of Sources and Pathways of Microplastic Pollution into the Marine Environment.
- University related press release – Major study reveals substantial quantities of tyre particles contaminating our rivers and ocean.
- Research by the IMLRU published in Environmental Science and Technology questions whether biodegradable formulations can be relied upon to offer a sufficiently advanced rate of degradation to offer any realistic solution to the problem of plastic litter.
- University press release –
Biodegradable bags can hold a full load of shopping three years after being discarded in the environment .
- Richard Thompson's work with Anglian Water influenced the outcomes of the international standard, WG10- Flushable Products ISO 24524, which laid the foundations for the successful introduction of the UK Water Industry Standard Fine to Flush (WIS F2F).
- As a result of this WIS F2F introduction, industry leaders made changes to the products sold as flushable so that consumers know that products will break down in the sewer system.
The Queen's Anniversary Prize awarded in 2019 for microplastics discovery work
Our world-leading research into marine microplastics pollution and its impact on the environment and changing behaviour has received the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a higher education institution.
- Research by the IMLRU published in Environmental Science and Technology questions whether biodegradable formulations can be relied upon to offer a sufficiently advanced rate of degradation to offer any realistic solution to the problem of plastic litter
- University press release -
Biodegradable bags can hold a full load of shopping three years after being discarded in the environment
2018
Microplastics research highlighted as one of UK’s 100 best university breakthroughs
“More plastic has been produced in the last seven years than in all of the last century. Through greater awareness of the problem, the wider world is waking up to this global challenge and the importance of taking action.”
Participation by University academics in New Scientist Live
- Professor Richard Thompson and Professor Deborah Greaves were among the leading academics taking part.
- University related press release - University academics take part in New Scientist Live 2018
Keynote address at Micro 2018
Professor Richard Thompson OBE delivered a keynote at the recent Micro 2018 conference in Lanzarote.
UK Government bans microbeads in cosmetics
- Richard Thompson's evidence given to Environmental Audit Committee in 2016 – process of banning started.
- Related research – Characterisation, Quantity and Sorptive Properties of Microplastics Extracted From Cosmetics.
- University related press release – Millions of plastic particles found in cosmetic products.
Professor Richard Thompson was invited by the Galapagos Conservation Trust to support efforts to eliminate plastic pollution
- Assisting local authorities to develop a plan to make the Galapagos a model for the world.
- University related press release – Marine litter expert supports efforts to eliminate plastic pollution from the Galapagos Islands.
Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey pledges £200,000 of UK Government money into the tyre particle research (microfibers)
- Project led by Professor Richard Thompson, supported by Imogen Napper – www.gov.uk/government/news/government-launches-microplastics-research-to-protect-oceans.
University related press release – University receives Government funding to analyse impact of tyres and textiles on the marine environment.
International Year of the Reef: Research Seminar 'Marine Litter: Are there solutions to this global environmental problem?'
- British High Commission Singapore, National University of Singapore, and the National Parks Board invited Richard to give his talk.
Scientists earn awards for global impact of microplastics research
A team including Plymouth won the Societal Impact category and overall prize in the Natural Environment Research Council’s 2018 Impact Awards. Read more in our press release.
2017
'Foresight Future of the Sea' report for UK Government
- University related press release – University scientists contribute to government’s Future of the Sea report.
- Government report – Future of the sea: plastic pollution.
Richard Thompson receives Marsh Award for Marine and Freshwater Conservation
- University related press release – World leader in microplastic research receives award from the Zoological Society of London
Professor Richard Thompson made an OBE for services to marine science
The accolade, for Services to Marine Science, reflects his status as a world-leading authority on the problems caused by plastic pollution in the marine environment and the potential solutions.
2010–2016
Study discovers microplastic fibres are released into the environment when washing clothes
- Laundering an average washing load of 6kg could release over 700,000 microscopic fibres into wastewater
- View the full study here - Release of synthetic microplastic plastic fibres from domestic washing machines: Effects of fabric type and washing conditions
- University related press release - Washing clothes releases thousands of microplastic particles into environment, study shows
International Marine Litter Research Unit advises G7 on marine litter monitoring (2016)
- In December 2016, Professor Thompson visited Tokyo to advise on the monitoring of microplastics in the ocean. The meeting was organised by the Japanese Environment Ministry as part of their commitment through the G7 to reduce marine litter. The meeting included international experts on marine litter from Europe, America and Asia. One of the other experts was Dr Amy Lusher who previously studied BSc Marine Biology at the University of Plymouth before completing her PhD in Ireland.
UK introduces single use plastic bag tax (2015)
- Richard Thompson gave evidence in 2014 – levy introduced 2015, substantial reduction in plastic bag use recorded.
- Environmental Audit Committee, Wednesday 8 January 2014, on Parliamentlive.tv.
- University related press release – Reduction in use welcome but more legislation required to solve waste problem
Richard Thompson invited to talk at John Kerry's 'Our Oceans: Marine Pollution' conference for the US Department of State (2014)
Richard Thompson meets US Secretary of State, John Kerry. Conference looked at state of world's oceans, 30 global scientists invited.
- University related press release – Plymouth environmental scientists invited to talk at Washington Ocean Summit.
IMLRU delivers four star Impact Case study for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014: Discovery of microplastics as key anthropogenic contaminants in the marine environment
- View case study on the the REF2014 website: Discovery of microplastics as key anthropogenic contaminants in the marine environment.
Richard Thompson asked by the United Nations Environment Programme to identify 'Global and Regional Solutions to the Marine Debris Problem' (2011)
- View case study on the the REF2014 website: Discovery of microplastics as key anthropogenic contaminants in the marine environment.
EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive – Expert Group on Marine Debris (2010-present)
- Co-author on reports for the European Union
Pre-2010
Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP), an advisory body of the UN, discusses microplastics following IMLRU's research (2009)
- View case study on the the REF2014 website: Discovery of microplastics as key anthropogenic contaminants in the marine environment.
White paper produced following United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to organise the first international meeting on microplastics at the University of Washington (2008)
- View case study on the the REF2014 website: Discovery of microplastics as key anthropogenic contaminants in the marine environment.
EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive – Task Group 10: Marine Debris (2007–2009)
Richard Thompson takes part in International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) working group on environmental aspects of marine renewable energy (2008–2010)
Richard Thompson’s research first coined the term ‘microplastics’ (2004)
- Subsequently any and all reference to them cites his paper: 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.