Scientists have conducted research to analyze the concentration of microplastic in the seafloor. The analysis has led them to the discovery of the highest concentration of microplastics that has ever been registered: 1.9 million pieces that cover just one square meter.
Each year, the plastic pollution brings more than ten million tons of plastic, either in the form of bags or cellphone cases. However, this impressive quantity is shockingly accounting for only 1% of the total plastic that has invaded the ocean’s ecosystems.
The research was published earlier this week in the Science journal, where the scientists have reported their findings regarding the movement of the currents and how they manage to transport the fiber across the ocean. The remaining 99% is represented by plastics, which are five millimeters in length and move across the seafloor.
Microplastics are found at the seafloor in the highest concentrations ever
Mike Clare is the co-leader researcher of the project, working for the National Oceanography Centre. He has declared that the study has revealed data regarding the inner-workings of the ocean currents, offering impressive details and managing to find all the missing pieces.
The primary objective of this study is to urge governments to take the initiative and implement a set of stricter regulations that may limit the intake of plastics into the marine environment. The ocean currents are the ones responsible for the movement of plastics across the ocean. In the end, all the polluting objects are brought into one spot, which is a large area full of microplastic accumulation, called the “hotspot.”
The lead author, professor Ian Kane from the University of Manchester, has declared that they were amazed to find the impressive amount of garbage in the deep-seafloor. Even though we are all aware of the infamous ocean floating plastics, the high concentrations are even more alarming than we may think.
