New Study Finds Nanoplastic Pollution Across North Atlantic
Plastic Recycling | 2026-03-11 06:23:21
The study found nanoplastic concentrations averaging 18.1 mg/m³ near the surface, declining to 10.9 mg/m³ at intermediate depths and 5.5 mg/m³ near the seafloor.
By Paul Ploumis
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Nanoplastic pollution has been detected at every sampling location and depth across the North Atlantic, with researchers estimating that its mass near the ocean surface could be significantly higher than previous estimates for larger plastic debris.
According to the European Commission, plastic pollution is present in virtually all habitats on Earth and is considered a major environmental hazard. Plastics in the environment are typically classified by size, including macroplastics larger than 5 mm, microplastics smaller than that threshold, and nanoplastics measuring less than one micron.
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Researchers from institutions in the Netherlands and Germany collected water samples at 12 locations across the North Atlantic, ranging from the subtropical gyre to the southern North Sea. Samples were taken near the ocean surface, at intermediate depths of around one kilometre, and close to the seabed.
The study found nanoplastic concentrations averaging 18.1 mg/m³ near the surface, declining to 10.9 mg/m³ at intermediate depths and 5.5 mg/m³ near the seafloor.
The findings, published in 2025 in the journal Nature, estimate between 11.73 and 15.20 megatonnes of nanoplastics in the North Atlantic’s surface mixed layer, far exceeding earlier estimates for larger plastic particles.
POLL
What does the widespread presence of nanoplastics in the North Atlantic indicate?
Frequently Asked Questions
- What did the recent study reveal about nanoplastics in the North Atlantic?
Researchers found nanoplastic pollution at all sampled locations and depths, highlighting widespread contamination.
- How much nanoplastic mass is estimated in the North Atlantic surface waters?
The study estimates between 11.73 and 15.20 megatonnes of nanoplastics in the surface mixed layer.
- How did nanoplastic concentrations vary by depth?
Average concentrations were 18.1 mg/m³ near the surface, 10.9 mg/m³ at mid-depth, and 5.5 mg/m³ near the seabed.
