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Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Marine & Wildlife Policy & Risk Sign in to save

Transport and Fate of All-Time Released Plastics in the Global Ocean

2021 7 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 30 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Yanxu Zhang Peipei Wu, Peipei Wu, Ruochong Xu, Yanxu Zhang Ruochong Xu, Ruochong Xu, Yanxu Zhang Yanxu Zhang Ruochong Xu, Xuantong Wang, Amina T. Schartup, Peipei Wu, Xuantong Wang, Amina T. Schartup, Arjen Luijendijk, Yanxu Zhang Amina T. Schartup, Yanxu Zhang Yanxu Zhang Arjen Luijendijk, Yanxu Zhang

Summary

This global modeling study tracked the fate of all plastic ever released into the ocean, estimating that about 40 million tonnes have accumulated, with significant quantities sinking to the seafloor or washing onto beaches rather than floating at the surface. The findings challenge assumptions about where ocean plastic ends up and highlight the pervasive, long-term nature of microplastic contamination.

Study Type Environmental

Mismanaged plastics accumulate in oceans and threaten marine life. About 40 million tonnes of plastics have reached the oceans, where their fate remains unclear. To track the sources, sinks, sizes, and age of all-time released plastics, we developed a new mechanistic model and synthesized decades of measurements. We find that Asian plastics are the largest contributor (76%) to marine plastics by mass but only affect the North Pacific and the Indian Ocean, whereas plastics from fishing and shipping activities contribute 24% by mass but cover 60% of the ocean surface. Using the model, we demonstrate that biologically productive nearshore (63%) or upper ocean (25%) ecosystems trap 88% of the marine plastic. This study provides a model framework to assess the potential effect of future mitigation strategies.

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