Papers

The distribution of subsurface microplastics in the ocean

This study combined data from nearly 2,000 ocean sampling stations to map how microplastics are distributed at different depths. Smaller microplastics spread more evenly through the water column, while larger ones tend to concentrate near the surface. At deep ocean depths, microplastics make up an increasing share of total organic particles, suggesting they are becoming a significant part of the deep ocean environment.

Mind the fragmentation gap

Researchers highlight a critical oversight in global plastic pollution policy: even if new plastic production were halted, legacy plastics already in the environment will continue fragmenting into secondary microplastics for decades. They term this ongoing flux the "fragmentation gap" and argue it is currently overlooked in Global Plastics Treaty targets. The study calls for additional mitigation measures to address this persistent and growing source of microplastic pollution.

Fate of Microplastics in Deep Gravel Riverbeds: Evidence for Direct Transfer from River Water to Groundwater

Researchers tracked microplastic particles vertically through gravel riverbeds using depth-profile sampling, finding that MPs move directly from river water into subsurface gravel sediments and onward toward groundwater, documenting a pathway for plastic particles to enter drinking water aquifers.

Concentration gradient of plastic debris larger than 500 μm detected across the Southwest Indian ocean

Researchers surveyed plastic pollution across 19 oceanographic campaigns in the Southwest Indian Ocean using visual surveys and manta trawls, finding a concentration gradient from near-shore areas to open ocean with over 70% of litter being plastic and offshore accumulation zones influenced by ocean circulation.

Pelagic microplastics in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre: A prevalent anthropogenic component of the particulate organic carbon pool

This study measured microplastic concentrations in the water column of the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre and found that fossil-based microplastics make up a significant fraction of the particulate organic carbon pool, with implications for ocean biogeochemical carbon cycling and export.

The evolution of “phase-out” as a bridging concept for sustainability: From pollution to climate change

Investigating metal distribution patterns in pristine and ocean-weathered plastics using LA-ICP-TOFMS

Scientists used a high-resolution laser-based imaging technique (LA-ICP-TOFMS) to map how metals are distributed inside plastic debris, comparing pristine store-bought plastics with weathered plastics collected from the North Pacific garbage patch. Weathered ocean plastics showed surface depletion of metals originally embedded in the plastic (like stabilisers) and enrichment of seawater-derived elements like sodium and iodine, suggesting metals are leaching out over time. This has implications for understanding how ocean plastic debris releases metal-based additives into the marine environment.

Training the next generation of plastics pollution researchers: tools, skills and career perspectives in an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary field

Researchers and educators in the plastics pollution field argue that early-career scientists need strong communication, project management, and cross-disciplinary skills to tackle this complex global problem, and offer guidance for both researchers and their mentors on how to build careers that bridge academia, industry, government, and policy.

Trash Taxonomy Tool: harmonizing classification systems used to describe trash in environments

Researchers analyzed 68 trash survey classification lists to assess the comparability of existing typology systems for describing solid waste pollution in environmental monitoring programs worldwide. They developed a standardized relational framework to harmonize classification systems, enabling cross-dataset comparisons and improving the utility of global trash monitoring data.

Mapping the contours of an emerging phase out science

This systematic literature review mapped how 'phase-out' — the deliberate elimination of harmful substances or technologies — has been studied across different fields since 1970. Researchers found that phase-out science is fragmented across disciplines and propose a more unified research agenda to inform future policies on chemicals, fuels, and technologies.