 The study examined the effects of plastic production on microplastic density in an Australian estuary. The researchers found that microplastic density increased over time, matching the increase in global plastic production and coastal population growth. They also noted that fibers were the most common type of microplastic found in their samples, suggesting that much of the contamination was due to fibers being introduced into the environment before plastics became widespread. Finally, they developed a statistical model to estimate the amount of contamination in their samples. This article was authored by Catherine A. Willis, Catherine A. Willis, Ruth Erickson, and others.