A single plastic carrier bag could be shredded by marine organisms into around 1.75million microscopic fragments, according to new research.
A single plastic carrier bag could be shredded by marine organisms into around 1.75million microscopic fragments, according to new research.
Marine scientists at the University of Plymouth examined the rate at which bags were broken down by the amphipod Orchestia gammarellus, which inhabits coastal areas in northern and western Europe.
They discovered the organisms shred the material, with researchers believing this is an example of marine wildlife actually contributing to the spread of microplastics within the marine environment, rather than them simply being emitted from the water supply or forming through the physical and chemical break down of larger items.
The study was conducted by BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology students Daniella Hodgson and Amanda Bréchon, and Professor of Marine Biology Richard Thompson. It is published in Marine Pollution Bulletin.
Read more at University of Plymouth
