US EditionAtlantic Ocean's Nanoplastic Problem Revealed in Shocking New Study
NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN, JUL 10 – Researchers measured 27 million tonnes of nanoplastics in the North Atlantic's top water layer, revealing higher pollution levels than previously estimated, with particles spreading throughout the water column.
- A study published on July 9, 2025, found approximately 27 million metric tons of nanoplastics dispersed across the North Atlantic Ocean's upper layers.
- The research analyzed water samples collected at 12 sites during a November 2020 cruise aboard the Pelagia, motivated by concerns over growing ocean plastic pollution.
- Scientists identified nanoplastics—particles smaller than one micrometer—at all depths studied, with concentrations comparable by mass to larger micro- and macroplastics.
- Helge Niemann said, "Nanoplastics are not conducive, generally, for life," while Walker urged to "cap plastic production" to reduce future nanoplastic pollution.
- The findings prompt calls for stronger policies and public engagement to limit plastic input, as nanoplastics pose serious risks to marine ecosystems and human health.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Researchers have discovered vast amounts of tiny plastic particles in the surface water of the northern Atlantic – far more than microplastic and macroplastic residues.
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Microplastics are everywhere. They're in our oceans, our food, and even our bodies. According to Phys.org, a new University of Portsmouth study highlighted how public volunteers can help combat this invisible threat. What's happening? Researchers at the University of Portsmouth in the U.K. published a study examining the effectiveness of different protocols to capture plastic pollution on coastlines and whether volunteers can help fill crucial d…
The oceans may contain much, much more plastic than previously thought
In the oceans, the most widespread type of plastic pollution may be the kind you can’t see. A new study published Wednesday in the journal Nature estimates that the North Atlantic Ocean alone contains 27 million metric tons of nanoplastic — plastic particles 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair. That figure is 10 times higher than previous estimates of plastic pollution of all sizes across all the world’s oceans, according to the stu…
Millions of Tons of Tiny Plastic Particles Are Polluting the Ocean, Study Finds
Nanoplastics — microplastics that are less than a micrometer in size — are found all over the world, from Alpine peaks to the deepest parts of the ocean. At least 27 million tonnes of nanoplastics are estimated to be floating in the North Atlantic Ocean, weighing more than all wild land mammals combined, reported The New York Times. Researchers from the Helmholtz Center for Environmental Research (UFZ), Utrecht University and the Royal Netherlan…
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