Researchers from Curtin’s WA-Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre (WA-OIGC) have shared the full results of the analysis of seawater samples, collected at 177 locations across the 46,100km voyage, including areas of the Southern Hemisphere not previously tested for microplastics.
Researchers from Curtin’s WA-Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre (WA-OIGC) have shared the full results of the analysis of seawater samples, collected at 177 locations across the 46,100km voyage, including areas of the Southern Hemisphere not previously tested for microplastics.
Lead researcher and John Curtin Distinguished Professor Kliti Grice said the analysis provided the first accurate measure of the presence of microplastics in unique ocean environments, the source of which may include vehicle tyre dust, pellet spills, textiles, building debris, cosmetics, and packaging materials.
“The aim of the study was to target areas of the world’s oceans not previously sampled for microplastics and to produce a complete global snapshot of microplastic distribution,” Professor Grice said.
“Our analysis found microplastics were present in the vast majority of the waters sampled by Jon, even in very remote ocean areas of the Southern Hemisphere.
Read more at: Curtin University
