Microplastics are making it harder for oceans to absorb greenhouse gases, study warns
Hidden impact of microplastics on our oceans
- A new study warns that microplastics are diminishing the oceans' ability to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby weakening a vital natural defence against the climate crisis.
- Researchers found that microplastics interfere with the “biological carbon pump” by negatively impacting phytoplankton and zooplankton, which are essential for carbon cycling in marine ecosystems.
- The study, published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials, highlights that microplastics also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions through the “plastisphere” – microbial communities on plastic particles.
- The authors urge governments and international bodies to recognise plastic pollution and the climate crisis as interconnected challenges, advocating for measures such as reducing single-use plastics and improving waste management.
- With plastic production continuing to rise and most plastic ever made still existing, the long-term persistence of microplastics poses significant risks to ecosystems and climate stability.