Researchers estimate that, all in all, some 5.23 trillion plastic particles are now floating in global oceans

Dec 11, 2014 14:04 GMT  ·  By
Researchers document 269,000 tons of plastic pollution in global oceans
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   Researchers document 269,000 tons of plastic pollution in global oceans

In a study published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE this December 10, researchers say that, in this day and age, our planet's oceans are tainted by an impressive 269,000 tons of plastic pollution, and that's just taking into account teeny tiny particles known as microplastics.

More precisely, specialists with the Five Gyres Institute claim that a whopping 5.25 trillion bits and pieces of plastic are now sailing global oceans without a care in the world. The trouble is that, as shown by previous investigations, they are a threat to wildlife.

Documenting plastic pollution in global oceans

To determine the amount of plastic pollution currently present in our planet's oceans, scientist Marcus Eriksen and colleagues analyzed data obtained during as many as 24 expeditions carried out between the years 2007 and 2013.

These expeditions were completed by scientists from 6 countries and boiled down to collecting water samples from various corners of the world and pinning down hotspots of large plastic debris in ocean across the globe, Science Daily informs.

Based on information obtained during these investigations, researcher Marcus Eriksen and his team determined that, as already mentioned, global oceans now hold an impressive 5.25 trillion plastic particles whose combined weight amounts to 269,000 tons.

The distribution of these plastic particles

As detailed in the journal PLOS ONE, the 5.25 trillion plastic particles are not evenly distributed across the planet's surface. On the contrary, the largest of the bunch tend to hang around coastlines and the medium-sized ones seem to enjoy life in subtropical regions.

The smallest of them, on the other hand, have a knack for reaching remote regions such as the polar circles and setting up camp there. Whatever their location, the fact remains that these bits and pieces of plastics are a threat to marine ecosystems.

Just how big a threat are plastic particles?

Earlier this year, in July, scientists with the University of Exeter in the UK announced that plastic particles can enter the bodies of marine dwellers not just through their mouth, but also through their gills. In time, they can accumulate and cause serious health trouble.

Besides, other investigations have shown that, while floating about aimlessly, such particles can become impregnated with all sorts of toxic compounds. This makes them an even bigger threat to marine ecosystems than most people would think them to be.

Even more worrying, we must not forget that we humans are in the habit of eating fish, lobsters or other aquatic creatures quite often and thus become exposed to plastic particles ourselves. What this means is that, in time, the plastic pollution we are responsible for might come back and bite us.

Plastic pollution threatens marine ecosystems (5 Images)

Researchers document 269,000 tons of plastic pollution in global oceans
Infographic details the distribution of plastic particles in planetary oceansBits and pieces of plastic often enter the bodies of marine dwellers
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