COSEE Ocean Systems: News
Marine organisms can shred a carrier bag into 1.75 million pieces, study shows
Description: A single plastic carrier bag could be shredded by marine organisms into around 1.75 million microscopic fragments, according to new research. Marine scientists examined the rate at which bags were broken down by the amphipod Orchestia gammarellus, which inhabits coastal areas in northern and western Europe. They discovered the organisms shred the material, with researchers believing this is an example of marine wildlife actually contributing to the spread of microplastics within the marine environment. [Source: Plymouth University]
URL: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/news/marine-organisms-can-shred-a-carrier-bag-into-175-million-pieces-study-shows
Availability: Full Text
Source: Plymouth University
Publish Date: 12/8/2017
Reading Level: Basic
Page Length:  

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