International study measures exactly how much plastic is in the Oceans

An international study concluded that more than 5 billion pieces of plastic weighing approximately 270,000 tons, floating in the oceans.

This figure, which could amount to 270,000 cars bearing in mind that the average weight of a car is a ton-is much higher than estimated so far.

The researchers studied the five major subtropical currents or eddies well-known as giros- where large plastic objects accumulate and then break up into small particles.

The volume comes from products like plastic food and beverage containers.

The calculation was made by 24 ocean expeditions conducted over six years.

Ocean to the plate

Scientists say that micro-plastics, which account for 95% of the pollution they studied, absorb toxins which are then eaten by fish and other sea creatures.

Larger pieces can choke sea animals like turtles or seals, while the smaller pieces are what fish eat and end up in the food chain.

This presents a problem due to chemical contaminants contained within the plastic.

Marcus Eriksen, head of research, told the magazine Plos One they found much plastic in the Ocean (from bags to bottles or umbrella toilets) that this looked like a "floating hypermarket".

More plastic

Although the wastes are distributed around the globe, much of the plastic trash accumulates in five subtropical currents.

Each of the major oceans has filled swirling trash, including the notorious "Great Pacific Garbage Patch"Located between Hawaii and California, whose size is similar to the State of Texas.

These circular currents, say the researchers, contribute to grind the plastic before disperse by the Sea

According to scientists, the volume of plastic in the water will increase in the future due to more and more disposable plastic products are produced since only 5% recycled plastic in the world.

The study, published in the journal Plos One, Is the first to gather information floating plastics worldwide.

SOURCE: Aqua.cl