Researchers from Utrecht University in the Netherlands have discovered approximately 27 million tons of nanoplastics in the North Atlantic Ocean. These microscopic plastic particles, each smaller than a micrometer in size, were detected through water samples collected from 12 different locations across the region.
To identify such tiny fragments, the scientists used high-resolution imaging combined with chemical filtration techniques. The results revealed that nanoplastics are present throughout the ocean’s depths, with the highest concentrations found near coastlines, river mouths, sewage outlets, and particularly within the subtropical gyre — a system of circulating ocean currents.
The study detected plastics commonly used in everyday products, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are often found in plastic bottles, food packaging, and disposable cups.
Importantly, the estimated 27 million tons refer only to nanoplastics, not accounting for larger microplastics or macroplastics, which also significantly contribute to ocean pollution.
Scientists still don’t fully understand the ecological impact of nanoplastics, but they plan to continue their research, focusing on particles at various stages of degradation. Due to the extreme difficulty of removing such minute pollutants from water, researchers stress that prevention is the most effective strategy — reducing plastic waste before it reaches the ocean.