This paper reviews the current hot issues in the research of marine microplastics and points out the defects in the methods of sample collection and analysis, as well as the reason for misconceptions in people's scientific cognition of marine microplastics. Moreover, this paper objectively analyzes the shortcomings and mistakes in advanced research areas such as microplastic toxicology, plastic flux into the sea, and environmental risk assessment. It also introduces some new research ideas and progress. Finally, some important scientific questions in the study of marine microplastics and some suggestions for future research development are put forward.

marine microplastics  /  plastic waste  /  environmental risk