ASTORIA, Ore. — Marine debris researcher Mark Ward is leading a charge to clean up a tidal inlet near the mouth of the Columbia River. The inlet is littered with millions of tiny pieces of plastic called micro-plastics. Ward has… Read More ›
Microplastics in Ocean
Plastic Pollution–It’s a Consumer’s Choice
Reading about ocean plastic makes one marvel at what man has wrought. According to National Geographic, trash from North America makes a mighty six-year voyage to reach “The Great Pacific Garbage Patch,” where it hooks up with trash from Asia. Ocean currents form these areas of spinning debris that researchers are only now starting to measure.
Deep Sea Microplastic Fibers Concerns Researchers
The Natural History Museum reports: Deep-sea sediments are accumulating tiny fragments of plastic in surprisingly high concentrations, scientists have discovered. The accumulations represent a previously unknown repository of global plastic waste. Marine plastic debris in surface waters and coastal sediments… Read More ›
Plastics: “Most Pervasive Pollutant in the Ocean”
Plastic is the most pervasive pollutant in the ocean today. But researchers have struggled to estimate just how much of the 6 billion tons of plastic that has been manufactured since the mid-20th century ultimately winds up in the ocean…. Read More ›
Evidence of Plastic Microbeads in Aquifers
“Microbeads have only been around for the last decade. There’s significant indications that the L.A. River is affected and there’s evidence that it’s already finding their way to our aquifers,” says Bloom.
Capt. Moore: “Great Pacific Garbage Patch (is) Much Worse”
Editor’s Note: Captain Charles Moore recently completed the most recent research tour “Gyre Voyage 2014.” The following is a reduced version of the blog Captain Moore posted August 15, 2014. To read the entire blog click this link: Final Blog… Read More ›
Plastics: Choking the Sea–and Us
With 10-20 tons of plastic entering our oceans every year, the dire results are now obvious. This video showcases the latest statistics and data about how plastics are choking our seas, and likely us.
A Workshop for Teachers/Students in Microplastics
By HANNAH LANDERS A group of K-12 teachers stepped off a skiff onto the southern tip of Tybee Island on Tuesday morning. Slathered in sunblock and carrying large plastic buckets, they weaved through lounging beachgoers and shouting children, sifting sand… Read More ›
New Plastisphere Research Discovery
We know that Australia’s waters contain lots of tiny pieces of plastic, and that these pieces can harm many marine species. But in new research published today we show that these microplastics are also home to marine life, some of… Read More ›