Our Research is Now Published!

Dive into our latest findings that shed light on microplastics and their impact on marine ecosystems. 

We at Nordic Ocean Watch Denmark are thrilled to announce that our latest research, “Abundance, Distribution, and Characteristics of Microplastics in the North and South Atlantic Ocean,” has been officially published in Marine Pollution Bulletin! This research represents years of dedicated effort and collaboration by our team and partners, sheds light on microplastic pollution across the Atlantic, offering crucial data for addressing ocean pollution.

The Growing Problem of Microplastics

Microplastics, defined as plastic particles ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm in size, have become a significant global environmental concern. These harmful particles originate from primary sources, such as plastics used in commercial and industrial products, and secondary sources, which result from the breakdown of larger plastic debris over time. Once in the ocean, microplastics have a serious impact on marine ecosystems and wildlife. As they break down, they release harmful chemicals and can carry other pollutants. These small particles are often ingested by marine organisms, from plankton to larger animals, and can accumulate up the food chain, even posing a threat to humans. Microplastics have been found in a wide range of environments around the world, and their long-lasting presence makes them a critical and ongoing concern.

What's the Study All About?

Our study aimed to analyze the abundance, distribution, and physical characteristics of microplastics along a transatlantic route, spanning from Scheveningen, the Netherlands, to Montevideo, Uruguay. This extensive survey covered six significant ocean current regions across the North and South Atlantic, allowing us to gather insights into the movement and concentration of microplastics in both densely populated and remote oceanic areas. 

Sample Collection Onboard Bark Europa

Our research expedition was conducted aboard the stately three-masted barque Bark Europa. During our voyage, we employed a manta trawl net to collect 50 surface water samples, targeting floating microplastics across a comprehensive transatlantic transect. The manta trawl, designed to capture microplastic particles, was deployed alongside the ship under specific conditions to ensure accurate sampling.

Laboratory Analysis at Aalborg University

Following collection, the microplastic samples were transported to the laboratory at Aalborg University for in-depth analysis. Here, each sample underwent detailed examination to determine the polymer composition using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. This precise analytical technique allowed us to identify and characterize the specific types of plastics present in our samples. Through this process, we gained valuable insights into the distribution, composition, and potential sources of microplastic pollution in the Atlantic.

Key Findings

Microplastic Abundance and Distribution:  

The study documents an overall abundance of 0.011 ± 0.017 items per m³, with significantly higher concentrations near coastal regions compared to open ocean areas. This trend highlights the influence of human activity and oceanic processes in concentrating microplastics near shorelines. Human activity near the coasts, such as urbanization and industrial waste, contribute to the accumulation of plastics in coastal areas, where waste runoff, improper disposal, and the lack of effective waste management systems increase the volume of debris entering the ocean. Additionally, oceanic processes such as currents, tides, and wave action concentrate these particles along the coast, making shorelines hotspots for microplastic pollution.

Ocean currents, such as the North Atlantic Drift, Canary Current, Equatorial currents, and the Brazil Current, play a key role in transporting microplastics far from their sources, concentrating them in specific regions. These currents carry microplastics across vast distances, even to remote areas, where lower concentrations are observed. The presence of microplastics in these isolated regions highlights the far-reaching and persistent nature of this pollution, underscoring the ongoing influence of ocean currents in redistributing waste across the global ocean.

Polymer Composition of Microplastics: 

The most prevalent polymers identified in the samples were high-density polyethylene (HD-PE) and polypropylene (PP), which made up 63.5% and 28.3% of the microplastics, respectively.  These findings align with the widespread use of these materials, as they are widely used in everyday items like bottles and packaging materials. As these products are used and discarded, they often end up in the environment due to improper waste management, littering, or transportation. They are carried by wind, rain, or waterways into the ocean, where they over time break down into microplastics that persist in the marine environment contributing significantly to ocean pollution.

Shape and Color Characteristics of Microplastics:

Fragments were the dominant shape category, making up 88.6% of all microplastic particles, while white or transparent particles constituted 62.7% of our sample. These physical characteristics are significant because they influence the persistence of microplastics in the environment and their biological uptake. Due to their inconspicuous appearance in the water, they are easily mistaken for food and ingested by marine life, contributing to bioaccumulation in the food chain and posing potential risks to both marine species and humans.

Why This Matters

Our study underscores the persistent challenge of marine microplastic pollution, emphasizing its widespread presence across vast oceanic regions. Plastic pollution is not only an environmental issue but a human one, impacting biodiversity, ecosystems, and even human health. Microplastics are linked to numerous environmental and health risks, underscoring the urgency of understanding their movement and long-term impact.

By shedding light on under-sampled areas, particularly in the South Atlantic, our study contributes to existing research and provides data that supports effective intervention and inspires global change, as well as calls for continued research, stronger policies, and coordinated global efforts to address the issue.

Collaboration, Dedication, and Gratitude 

This research was made possible through the dedication and passion of our committed team, along with strong partnerships and collaborations. We owe a special thank you to Bark Europa for offering a unique research position onboard and to Aalborg University’s Faculty of Engineering and Science, Department of the Built Environment, for providing access to lab facilities and equipment.

We are also grateful to the Ocean Cleanup Foundation, Ocean Missions, the Safina Center, and NIOZ Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research for sharing their expertise in microplastic research and providing essential equipment. Our appreciation goes out to everyone involved in data processing and analysis.

What’s Next? Moving Toward Solutions

As scientists and ocean advocates, we remain committed to exploring ways to conquer microplastic pollution, sharing our findings to inform global policies, and inspiring action - whether through coastal cleanups, knowledge sharing and education or further research.

Thank you for supporting our work and caring about the future of our blue planet. To learn more, feel free to reach out or explore our research here:

Stay tuned for more updates, new initiatives, and ways you can make a difference!

We are grateful to everyone who supported and contributed to this journey. Together, we continue to care for the ocean.