Recent research indicates the North Atlantic Ocean is home to an estimated 27 million metric tons of nanoplastics, particles 100 times smaller than human hair. This amount surpasses previous global estimates of all plastic pollution by tenfold. Unlike microplastics and macroplastics, nanoplastics can traverse biological membranes and may cause inflammation in living cells. Helge Niemann, a researcher involved in this study, warns that the implications for marine biology and human health could be significant, noting that similar pollution is likely in other oceans.
Nanoplastics may pose a significant risk to marine biology and human health, as they can cause inflammation to living cells when ingested due to their small size and potential chemical release.
The North Atlantic Ocean alone is estimated to contain 27 million metric tons of nanoplastics, which is ten times higher than previous total plastic pollution estimates.
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