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Ocean Plastics Last Over a Century, Study Reveals

10/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society finds ocean-dumped plastics persist for over a century.
The researchers' model shows large plastics degrade into microplastics and settle in deep-sea sediments.
After 100 years, about 10% of the original plastic remains at the surface and releases microplastics.
The study emphasizes stronger waste management and policy, and highlights marine snow aggregates transporting plastics to depth.

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Story summary

A study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society finds ocean-dumped plastics persist for over a century.
The researchers' model shows large plastics degrade into microplastics and settle in deep-sea sediments.
After 100 years, about 10% of the original plastic remains at the surface and releases microplastics.
The study emphasizes stronger waste management and policy, and highlights marine snow aggregates transporting plastics to depth.