0
Article Tier 2 Environmental Sources Sign in to save

Vertical distribution of microplastic along the main gate of Indonesian Throughflow pathways

Marine Pollution Bulletin 2024 19 citations

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers conducted the first investigation of vertical microplastic distribution in deep-sea waters along the Indonesian Throughflow pathway between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. The study found an average of about 1 microplastic particle per liter across depths from 5 to 2,450 meters, with water temperature and density influencing particle distribution, indicating that microplastic contamination extends throughout the ocean water column.

Study Type Environmental

Even though Pacific - Indian Ocean exchange [Indonesian Throughflow (ITF)] has been measured for the last three decades, the measurements of microplastic in the region is very limited. This study was the initial investigation of the vertical distribution of microplastic in the deep-sea areas across the ITF Pathway. Niskin water samples were utilized to obtain the samples from a water column in a range of 5 to 2450 m. A total of 924 microplastic particles with an average abundance of 1.062 ± 0.646. n/L were found in the water column. Our findings indicate that water temperature and water density are the most significant factors correlated to the microplastic concentration. This study will be the first report discussing the distribution of microplastics in the deep-sea water column that could be highly significant in determining the fate and transport of microplastic within Indonesian waters that exits into the Indian Ocean.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Prevalence of small high-density microplastics in the continental shelf and deep sea waters of East Asia

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers collected water samples at multiple depth layers across the continental shelf and deep sea of East Asia and found that small, high-density microplastics were more abundant in deeper waters, suggesting vertical sinking pathways concentrate certain particle types in the deep ocean.

Article Tier 2

Plastics from Surface to Seabed: Vertical Distribution of (Micro)plastic Particles in the North Pacific Ocean

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers investigated the vertical distribution of microplastics across the water column and deep-sea sediments (>5 km) in the North Pacific Ocean, finding concentrations of 8-2600 items/m3 in the water column and 1100-3200 items/kg in sediments, with distinct patterns across the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, Papahanaumokuakea Monument, and a less-polluted open ocean site.

Article Tier 2

Fate of microplastics in deep-sea sediments and its influencing factors: Evidence from the Eastern Indian Ocean

AI summary Read the abstract

Surface sediments from 26 sites in the deep basin of the Eastern Indian Ocean were analyzed for microplastics, finding concentrations ranging widely and influenced by water depth, distance from land, and ocean current patterns. The study extends deep-sea microplastic monitoring to the Indian Ocean and identifies oceanographic transport as a key control on plastic distribution.

Article Tier 2

Plastics from Surfaceto Seabed: Vertical Distributionof (Micro)plastic Particles in the North Pacific Ocean

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers investigated the vertical distribution of microplastics from surface waters to deep-sea sediments (>5 km) in the North Pacific Ocean, documenting concentrations of 8-2600 items/m3 in the water column and 1100-3200 items/kg in sediments across the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, Papahanaumokuakea Monument, and a less-polluted reference site.

Article Tier 2

Microplastic pollution in deep-sea sediments and organisms of the Western Pacific Ocean

AI summary Read the abstract

Researchers collected deep-sea sediment and organism samples from multiple sites in the western Pacific Ocean and found microplastics at all locations sampled, with depth, distance from land, and current patterns influencing accumulation, confirming the western Pacific deep sea as a significant microplastic sink.

Research digests by email

When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.

Email me about

Share this paper