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Go with the flow: the role of gateway and straits on plastic distribution

2021
Domenico Chiarella, F. Javier Hernández‐Molina

Summary

This study analyzed how ocean gateways and straits influence the distribution of floating plastic debris, using computer models and field observations. The findings show that narrow waterways concentrate plastic pollution and can act as bottlenecks or distribution points that shape regional contamination patterns.

Plastic pollution is widespread throughout the marine environments representing a risk for ecosystems and human health when plastic enters the food chain. Understanding factors and processes controlling plastic distribution and accumulation is crucial to identify plastic hotspots. Gateways and straits can play an important role on transferring plastic debris at superficial and sea bottom level depending on the local water masses stratification.

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