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Microplastic pollution in the Northeast Atlantic: First long-term record from deep water layers of the open ocean

IOW researchers Joanna Waniek (l.) and Janika Reineccius (r.)
For the first time, IOW researchers Joanna Waniek (l.) and Janika Reineccius (r.) analyzed a 12-year long-term sample series from 2000 m water depth on microplastic pollution in the Northeast Atlantic. (Photo: IOW / K. Beck)

Scientists from the IOW for the first time analysed a long-term sample series on microplastic pollution in the Northeast Atlantic from 2000 m water depth with respect to number, size, mass, material and possible origin of the particles. Samples were collected between 2003 – 2015 in the Madeira Basin by a sediment trap. Plastic type and particle amount varied widely, but accounted for up to 8% of total particle flux. The most common plastic materials were polyethylene and PVC. The results provide insights into the temporal variability of sinking microplastics and thus a first approach to understanding their fate in the ocean.

Read the full press release; for a larger view of the photo, click on it:

application/pdf 20220704_press_Microplastics_Deep_Northeast_Atlantic_ReinecciusWaniek_en.pdf (123.7 KiB)

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