MP-SED: A Microplastics Database for Sediment Contamination Research
What is MP-SED?
MP-SED is a publicly available, global database developed by the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Environmental Laboratory (ERDC-EL). Its primary mission is to aggregate, standardize, and disseminate data on microplastic concentrations, characteristics, and polymer types in sediments. By focusing exclusively on sediment environments, MP-SED fills a critical gap in microplastics research, supporting cross-study comparisons, meta-analyses, and evidence-based policy development.
Unique Value:
- Dedicated to sediment microplastics (unlike broader databases)
- Peer-reviewed, quality-controlled data only
- Comprehensive metadata for robust analysis
Key Features of MP-SED
- 🌍 Global Coverage: Data from all continents, spanning lakes, rivers, estuaries, marine environments, harbors, and dredged sites
- 📊 Comprehensive Data Fields: Includes concentration, size, shape, polymer type, geographic and environmental context, and analytical methods
- 🔍 Standardized Units: All concentrations reported as items per kilogram dry weight (items/kg dw)
- 🧑🔬 Peer-Reviewed Sources: Only includes data from rigorously vetted, peer-reviewed studies
- 💻 Open Access: Freely available online, with search and download functionality
- 🏆 Regular Updates: Continuously expanded as new research is published
Data Coverage & Geographic Reach
MP-SED offers balanced global representation, with significant data from North America, Europe, and Asia, and growing coverage in other regions. The database includes both surface and core sediment samples, enabling temporal and spatial analyses.
| Region | Data Representation (%) | Key Countries/Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| North America | 30 | US, Canada, Great Lakes, rivers |
| Europe | 31 | UK, Germany, France, North Sea, rivers |
| Asia | 32 | China, Japan, India, coastal megacities |
| Other Regions | 7 | Australia, South America, Africa |
Microplastics Concentration by Environment
| Environment Type | Median Concentration (items/kg) | Range | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakes | 184 | 10–2000+ | Lower, fiber dominance |
| Rivers | 410 | 50–5000+ | Urban influence, variable |
| Harbors | 948 | 200–10000+ | Highest, multiple sources |
| Marine Nearshore | 325 | 25–3000+ | Moderate, wave action effects |
| Estuaries | 580 | 100–8000+ | High variability, mixing zones |
| Dredged Sites | 750 | 150–12000+ | Human activity impacts |
Figure: Geographic distribution and concentration of microplastics in sediments (MP-SED data)
How to Access MP-SED
- Visit the Database:
MP-SED Official Website - Search Online:
Use the web interface to filter by location, environment, or study parameters. - Download Data:
Full datasets are available for download for further analysis. - Cite Properly:
Use the recommended citation format provided on the website for academic publications.
Research Applications
- Global and Regional Assessments: Identify contamination hotspots and compare across regions
- Risk Assessment: Support ecological risk evaluations with standardized, high-quality data
- Methodological Comparisons: Analyze and compare sampling and analytical techniques
- Policy Development: Inform guidelines and mitigation strategies for sediment management
- Temporal Analysis: Use sediment core data to study historical trends in microplastics pollution
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Database URL | https://doer.el.erdc.dren.mil/microplasticdatabase.html |
| Data Format | Structured database with comprehensive metadata |
| Update Frequency | Regular (as new peer-reviewed studies are published) |
| Peer Review Requirement | Only peer-reviewed literature included |
| Geographic Scope | Global (all continents) |
| Temporal Coverage | Includes historical data from sediment cores (up to 95 cm depth) |
| Data Fields | 12+ fields: location, method, results, polymer type, etc. |
| Standardization | All data in items/kg dry weight |
| Citation Requirement | Recommended citation format provided |
| Access Restrictions | None (completely open access) |
| Download Options | Online search and full database download |
| Search Functionality | Searchable by location, study, and parameters |
MP-SED is an indispensable tool for anyone investigating microplastics in sedimentary environments. Its robust, standardized, and peer-reviewed data empower researchers, policymakers, and environmental professionals to make informed decisions, conduct rigorous analyses, and drive effective solutions to microplastics pollution.
Ready to explore or contribute to microplastics research?
Access MP-SED today and join the global effort to understand and mitigate sediment contamination.