Wednesday, 11 Jun 2025
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA
logo logo
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
  • 🔥
  • Trump
  • House
  • VIDEO
  • White
  • ScienceAlert
  • Trumps
  • Watch
  • man
  • Health
  • Colossal
Font ResizerAa
American FocusAmerican Focus
Search
  • World
  • Politics
  • Crime
  • Economy
  • Tech & Science
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • More
    • Education
    • Celebrities
    • Culture and Arts
    • Environment
    • Health and Wellness
    • Lifestyle
Follow US
© 2024 americanfocus.online – All Rights Reserved.
American Focus > Blog > Tech and Science > Microplastics could be hampering the ocean’s ability to capture carbon
Tech and Science

Microplastics could be hampering the ocean’s ability to capture carbon

Last updated: April 30, 2025 10:55 pm
Share
Microplastics could be hampering the ocean’s ability to capture carbon
SHARE

A free diver surrounded by plastic pollution

Sebnem Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Recent research has unveiled a concerning reality about microplastics in our oceans. Contrary to popular belief, these tiny particles are not confined to just the surface but are present throughout the water column, including the deepest ocean depths. This revelation has significant implications for the ocean’s role in carbon sequestration.

Tracy Mincer from Florida Atlantic University, along with his team, conducted a comprehensive analysis of microplastic data collected from nearly 2000 locations worldwide over the past decade. While previous studies mainly focused on surface microplastics, this review included samples from various depths, revealing a widespread distribution of these particles.

The study uncovered microplastics in every location surveyed, even in the Mariana Trench, where astonishingly high concentrations were found nearly 7 kilometers below the surface. What surprised researchers the most was the even distribution of the smallest plastic particles throughout the water column, instead of just floating at the surface or sinking to the bottom.

Aron Stubbins from Northeastern University highlighted that these microplastics contribute significantly to the carbon content in the ocean. In regions with lower biological activity, such as depths of 2000 meters, microplastics can account for up to 5% of the carbon present. This finding raises concerns about the impact of buoyant plastics on the ocean’s carbon sequestration processes.

One potential consequence is the interference of plastic ingestion by plankton with the natural carbon sinking process. This disruption could hinder the ocean’s ability to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere through the biological carbon pump. However, the exact extent of this effect remains uncertain, as researchers are still unraveling the complexities of microplastic distribution in the ocean.

See also  Shingles Vaccine Can Reduce Risk of Stroke And Heart Attack, Study Finds : ScienceAlert

Douglas McCauley from the University of California Santa Barbara emphasized the importance of considering microplastics in ocean studies to better understand marine ecosystems. The survey’s findings shed light on discrepancies between estimated plastic inputs into the ocean and actual measurements, indicating that microplastics are dispersed across the water column rather than disappearing.

Topics:

TAGGED:abilityCaptureCarbonhamperingmicroplasticsOceans
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article The True Story of a Rare Eva Hesse Painting Found at a Goodwill Auction The True Story of a Rare Eva Hesse Painting Found at a Goodwill Auction
Next Article Can the Olympic Games be a catalyst for change? Can the Olympic Games be a catalyst for change?
Leave a comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Posts

3 Mistakes WWE made on NXT after Vengeance Day

WWE NXT kicked off with a bang after Vengeance Day, with the top champion Oba…

February 24, 2025

Liverpool set to table bid of over £8 million for 18-year-old eyed by 3 other Premier League sides: Reports

Liverpool is reportedly interested in securing a permanent deal for Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller, who…

December 13, 2024

Study shows it may be possible

Swedes are defying the odds by living longer than ever before. In the past, reaching…

September 10, 2024

One of FBI’s Most Wanted, accused of murdering wife after their wedding, captured in Mexico after over 12 years on the run

Arnoldo Jimenez, one of the FBI's Ten Most Wanted fugitives, has been apprehended in Mexico…

February 1, 2025

AI-Led Software Development: What CIOs Should Know?

AI in Software Development: A Comprehensive Guide for CIOs The use of AI in software…

December 2, 2024

You Might Also Like

Streaming Deal: Disney+ Subscription Drops To Under £2/ For Limited Time
Tech and Science

Streaming Deal: Disney+ Subscription Drops To Under £2/$2 For Limited Time

June 11, 2025
Emperor Penguins Disappearing Faster Than Worst Estimates, Study Finds : ScienceAlert
Tech and Science

Emperor Penguins Disappearing Faster Than Worst Estimates, Study Finds : ScienceAlert

June 11, 2025
What makes JS All Stage different from other startup events? Answers to your most pressing questions
Tech and Science

What makes JS All Stage different from other startup events? Answers to your most pressing questions

June 11, 2025
Physicists Actually Made The ‘World’s Smallest Violin’ For a Serious Reason : ScienceAlert
Tech and Science

Physicists Actually Made The ‘World’s Smallest Violin’ For a Serious Reason : ScienceAlert

June 11, 2025
logo logo
Facebook Twitter Youtube

About US


Explore global affairs, political insights, and linguistic origins. Stay informed with our comprehensive coverage of world news, politics, and Lifestyle.

Top Categories
  • Crime
  • Environment
  • Sports
  • Tech and Science
Usefull Links
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • DMCA

© 2024 americanfocus.online –  All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?