Australian study estimates 14 million tonnes of microplastics on ocean floor

New research finds a staggering amount of plastic pollution may be sitting on the ocean floor.

According to a new study from Australia’s national science agency, an estimated 14 million tonnes of microplastics have accumulated on the seabed.

That is more than double the amount of plastic believed to be floating on the surface.

“Plastic pollution that ends up in the ocean deteriorates and breaks down, ending up as microplastics,” said Justine Barrett, who led the study.

“Our research provides the first global estimate of how much microplastic there is on the seafloor. Even the deep ocean is susceptible to the plastic pollution problem.”

This microplastic has detrimental impacts on marine ecosystems, wildlife and human health.

Researchers used a robotic submarine to collected 51 samples of deep-sea sediments from sites off of Australia’s coast.

The quantity of plastic pollution in the ocean is expected to increase in coming years.

Researchers say they hope this information will prompt governments, industry and communities to work closer together to reduce litter and make changes to their behaviour.