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New Study Reveals Plastic Lingers in Oceans for Century

10/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New research from Queen Mary University of London finds buoyant plastic would persist on the ocean surface for more than a century, even if plastic pollution stopped today.
Large plastics slowly break down into microplastics through a process that involves marine snow.
After about 100 years, only around 10% remains at the surface, underscoring the need for long-term strategies to address plastic waste and protect carbon storage and climate regulation.

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Story summary

New research from Queen Mary University of London finds buoyant plastic would persist on the ocean surface for more than a century, even if plastic pollution stopped today.
Large plastics slowly break down into microplastics through a process that involves marine snow.
After about 100 years, only around 10% remains at the surface, underscoring the need for long-term strategies to address plastic waste and protect carbon storage and climate regulation.