Irish News article: Ocean currents creating microplastic hotpots in deep sea, study finds

Press/Media: Research

Period30 Apr 2020

Media coverage

1

Media coverage

  • TitleOcean currents creating microplastic hotpots in deep sea, study finds
    Media name/outletIrish News
    Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
    Date30/04/20
    DescriptionOcean 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.

    The scientists hope their findings, published in the journal Science, will help direct research into the impact of microplastics on marine life.
    URLhttps://www.irishnews.com/magazine/science/2020/04/30/news/ocean-currents-creating-microplastic-hotpots-in-deep-sea-study-finds-1922076/
    PersonsIan Kane