Overview
- The peer-reviewed model, published Oct. 23 in Philosophical Transactions A, is the final paper in a trilogy on microplastic fate.
- It links surface fragmentation to size-selective sedimentation and identifies slow degradation at the surface as the main removal bottleneck.
- Even if inputs stopped today, about 10% of the original buoyant plastic would still remain at the surface after 100 years, the authors estimate.
- The study flags a potential strain on the ocean’s biological pump as microplastic loads rise, noting this risk needs further empirical study.
- Coverage cites roughly 170 trillion pieces afloat and millions of tonnes entering the ocean each year, reinforcing calls for production cuts and long-term policy.