The distribution of subsurface microplastics in the ocean

Marine plastic pollution is a global issue, with microplastics (1 µm–5 mm) dominating the measured plastic count1,2. Although microplastics can be found throughout the oceanic water column3,4, most studies collect microplastics from surface waters (less than about 50-cm depth) using net tows5. Consequently, our understanding of the microplastics distribution across ocean depths is more limited. Here we synthesize depth-profile data from 1,885 stations collected between 2014 and 2024 to provide insights into the distribution and potential transport mechanisms of subsurface (below about 50-cm depth, which is not usually sampled by traditional practices3,6) microplastics throughout the oceanic water column. We…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: 1910621, CBET 1910621, 2127669
• GA
  Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation
• UO
  University of Exeter

  Award: NE/V005448/1
• EC
  European Commission

  Awards: 101008724, 772923
• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Award: 42206154
• NO
  Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek

  Award: 2019.043
• DO
  Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems

  Award: 1910621