Most of the oceans' microplastics remain undetected: study

A study by Stony Brook University's School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, led by Luis Medina Faull, Ph.D., reveals that the smallest microplastics (MPs) in oceans, ranging from 1 to 14 micrometers, are often undetected by standard net tow surveys. Using Raman microspectroscopy, researchers found MPs at sizes well under 15 micrometres in various ocean regions. The MPs, abundant in polypropylene, polystyrene, and polyethylene, pose potential health risks to marine life and humans via the food web. The study highlights the need for further research on MPs' health impacts and more effective sampling methods in aquatic environments. (Phys.org)