Kategorie: News
New studies show how tiny plastic particles are permeating the ocean
The oceans are our planet's greatest source of life, but they are heavily polluted by human waste. While microplastics – particles measuring 1 micrometre or less – have already been well researched, the often invisible pollution caused by nanoplastics (particles smaller than a micrometre) has been a source of considerable uncertainty until now.
Now, two independent studies show that these tiny plastic particles are not only widespread, but actually account for the largest proportion of marine plastic pollution compared to previously known amounts of micro- and macroplastics. The result: nanoplastics in the North Atlantic are an alarming sign in terms of mass and distribution, underscoring the urgency of global action against plastic pollution.
Invisible danger from the depths
Barely visible to the naked eye, yet omnipresent in nature, nanoplastics are a product of the breakdown of larger plastic particles by sunlight, wind and mechanical action. Until now, it was assumed that these tiny particles were only present in small quantities, difficult to detect and therefore of little significance. However, recent research has disproved this: using highly sensitive measurement methods, scientists have detected nanoplastics in several layers of the North Atlantic – from the surface to great depths. Their findings, published in the journal *Nature*, show that around 27 million tonnes of nanoplastics are floating in the surface layer of the North Atlantic alone.
New insights through innovative technology
The study by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig, Utrecht University and the Dutch marine research institute NIOZ is based on samples taken at twelve locations, from the European coast to the subtropical gyre. Using a sophisticated mass spectrometer that can analyse organic gases very accurately, the researchers identified typical types of polymers such as PET (e.g. in bottles), polystyrene (e.g. in disposable cups) and PVC (e.g. in petroleum products). Surprisingly, they were unable to detect polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), which are commonly found in traditional waste. This could indicate that these materials mineralise more quickly or break down into small particles that cannot be detected by the measuring device.
Distribution and significance of nanoplastics
The study shows that nanoplastics are present deep in the water – even at depths of more than 4,500 metres, which suggests a long journey through currents and sedimentation processes. The researchers found particularly high levels of contamination in the so-called North Atlantic gyres, known to be areas where plastic accumulates. These findings suggest that nanoplastics are not just a local hazard, but a global one. The mass of these particles in the North Atlantic has been estimated at around 27 million tonnes, which is comparable in magnitude to the known quantities of microplastics and macroplastics in this ocean.
Just a few years ago, it was controversial whether nanoplastics even existed. These results now show that, at least in the ocean system studied, the mass of nanoplastics is comparable to that of macro- and microplastics.
Why nanoplastics play a greater role than previously thought
While conventional studies usually focus on larger plastic debris, nanoparticles are considered particularly dangerous. They are so small that they can penetrate tissue and cells, accumulate there and have a potentially toxic effect on organisms. They are also difficult to detect, which makes it hard to estimate their actual prevalence. Previous assumptions suggested that the amount of nanoplastics in the ocean is low – but the new findings suggest that the proportion of invisible pollution is significantly higher than previously thought. The consequences for the environment and health could be considerable.
Challenges for research and possible courses of action
Scientists agree that much remains unclear. The lack of standardised detection methods and chemical changes in plastic particles in the sea mean that the exact figures are uncertain. Nevertheless, all researchers emphasise the importance of the findings: nanoplastics account for a significant proportion of our marine pollution – and possibly the largest. This also increases the pressure to act: plastic production must be dramatically reduced worldwide. Attempts to remove plastic from the environment are very important, but unfortunately this is not enough for a comprehensive solution.
Nature article:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09218-1