BBC Science Focus: Ocean currents creating underwater microplastic rubbish dumps

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Ocean currents in the deep sea are creating microplastic hotspots which house around 1.9 million tiny pieces of debris per square metre, scientists have said.

 

Researchers believe these slow-moving currents, which also supply oxygen and nutrients to deep-sea creatures, are directing the flow of plastics towards these areas, resulting in so-called “garbage patches” deep in the ocean.

They fear concentrations of toxic microplastics in these areas are increasing the risk of ingestion by the wildlife.