The amount of microscopic plastic fragments collected in the sea is increasing rapidly

The amount of microscopic plastic fragments collected in the sea is increasing rapidly

Microscopic plastic fragments are collecting in the oceans and on beaches at a growing rate, according to a study by UK scientists published in the journal Science today.

Senior lecturer in marine ecology at the University of Plymouth Dr Richard Thompson has revealed a significant increase in the quantity of plastic found in plankton over the last 40 years. The environmental consequences of the contamination are still unknown.

He told PRW.com the plastic fragments came from several sources, including larger plastic items ground down by the action of waves. Degradable plastic packaging that breaks down into non-degradable plastic fragments could also contribute. Abrasive plastic fragments from some cleaning agents could find their way into the ocean.

Dr Thompson said: “I want to stress that the message isn't one of alarm and concern about plastic products.” He said problems did not necessarily arise with product manufacture, rather in the way the end product is dealt with.

“There is a challenge to everyone to be wary of the way plastics are disposed of – especially products that are used once.” He said consumers should be encouraged to “reduce, reuse and recycle”.

During the study microscopic fragments of polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyester and five other types of plastic were identified in samples taken from locations in the north-east Atlantic Ocean. The team is working to establish the environmental consequences of this new form of contamination.