Where Does Plastic Accumulate In Our Ocean?

According to Our World in Data, the world now produces more than 450 million tonnes of plastic every year (a staggering figure that continues to rise). Have you ever wondered where all that plastic will end up once we throw it away?

While not every piece of plastic waste finds its way into our ocean, scientists estimate that around 8 million pieces of plastic enter our oceans every single day. That’s the equivalent of dumping a garbage truck full of plastic into the sea every minute.

Plastic waste is a major problem with devastating consequences for marine ecosystems. Once in the ocean, plastic doesn't simply disappear. Instead, it becomes a deadly hazard: Greenpeace reports that plastics pollution in our oceans annually causes the loss of more than 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals.

In this blog post, we will dive into the world of plastic accumulation in our ocean. Not only will we explore where all the plastic gathers, but we will also investigate the factors contributing to its presence and the impact that plastic pollution has on marine life.

Plastic Accumulates In Freshwater Ecosystems

Plastic pollution frequently starts and accumulates in freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, and streams before ultimately reaching the sea. These waterways act as crucial highways, transporting discarded waste from land-based sources all the way to the ocean.

Here's how it happens:

• Littering: Crowded cities near coastlines generate enormous amounts of plastic waste. Inadequate waste management systems and direct littering allow plastics to leak into rivers and lakes.
• Stormwater Runoff: Heavy rains wash plastic debris from streets, landfills, and industrial areas into nearby waterways.
• Agricultural & Industrial Sources: Plastic mulch, packaging, and microplastic fibers from textiles often end up in rivers through drainage systems.

Fun Fact: According to the World Economic Forum, around 90% of all river-borne plastic that ends up in the ocean comes from just 10 rivers. (8 of them are in Asia: the Yangtze, Indus, Yellow, Hai He, Ganges, Pearl, Amur, Mekong, and 2 in Africa: the Nile and the Niger!)

Rivers are like roads for plastic waste to our ocean. Once plastic enters a river, it can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, eventually reaching the ocean. Along the way, rivers and river mouths become accumulation zones where large amounts of plastic gather.

Summary: Plastic pollution begins in freshwater ecosystems before making its way into the ocean. Rivers act as highways, transporting waste from inland areas to coastal zones, where it accumulates and eventually spreads across the seas. This journey can have a negative impact on fish and other aquatic animals.

Photo: © richcarey via Getty Images

Plastic Accumulates In Coastal Areas

After traveling through rivers, lakes, and streams, much of the world’s plastic pollution eventually reaches coastal areas, where it begins to visibly accumulate. These regions are often the final stop before plastics drift deeper into the ocean, making them one of the most noticeable and studied zones of plastic buildup.

Plastic debris is often washed up on beaches and shorelines and serves as a visible indicator of the plastic pollution problem. Plastic waste, ranging from small fragments to more oversized items, can be found littered along the coastlines worldwide.

The factors that contribute to plastic accumulation in coastal areas include:

1. The tides and waves wash plastic debris onto beaches.
2. Human activities, such as littering, also contribute to plastic accumulation in coastal areas.

Developing coastal cities are particularly vulnerable to this issue due to increased plastic consumption and limited waste management systems.

Birds, turtles, and crabs often mistake plastic fragments for food or become entangled in larger debris, leading to injury or death. Additionally, microplastics trapped in sand can affect coastal ecosystems and even enter our food chain through shellfish and other marine life.

Summary: The majority of ocean plastics are washed, buried, and resurfaced along our shorelines. These accumulations not only harm the aesthetic beauty of our beaches but also pose risks to marine life through ingestion and entanglement.

Photo: © WorldAtlas via Internet

Plastic Accumulates In Ocean Gyres

So, what are ocean gyres? They are large, circular currents that circulate and flow around the world's oceans. One notable aspect of ocean gyres is their ability to trap and accumulate debris, including plastic waste. Due to their circular flow, plastic debris and other floating materials tend to gather in the center of these gyres, forming large areas known as garbage patches.

The factors that contribute to plastic accumulation in ocean gyres include:

1. Currents in the gyres create a swirling vortex that traps plastic debris, making it difficult for the plastic to escape.
2. The sun and waves break down the plastic waste into smaller and smaller pieces, which can make it even harder to clean up.
3. The currents transport the plastic debris over long distances, allowing it to accumulate in these specific regions.

The most infamous of these is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California. It is an enormous area where plastic debris concentrates due to ocean currents, forming a large, floating garbage patch. (The patch is estimated to be twice the size of Texas!)

Apart from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, there are other garbage patches and accumulation zones worldwide. The Atlantic Ocean Garbage Patch, Indian Ocean Garbage Patch, South Pacific Garbage Patch, North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre, and South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre are areas where plastic waste accumulates due to oceanic currents and winds.

Summary: Ocean gyres are large rotating currents that circulate around the world's oceans, and they have a unique ability to trap and accumulate debris, including plastic waste. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the most well-known example of an ocean gyre. It is estimated to be twice the size of Texas.

Photo: © richcarey via Getty Images

Plastic Accumulates In The Seafloor

You might wonder, how does plastic end up in these places? Well, according to The Ocean Cleanup, more than half of plastic waste is less dense than water, meaning the remaining half will sink to the bottom of the seafloor.

Here are some of the factors that contribute to plastic accumulation in the seafloor:

1. The plastic debris is carried down to the seafloor by currents and waves.
2. The plastic debris sinks to the seafloor due to its density.
3. Tiny plastic particles mix with organic matter (like dead plankton and feces), forming clumps that fall slowly to the ocean floor.

This plastic mess is dangerous for the creatures that live down there. Animals that eat food from the seafloor might accidentally munch on these plastic pieces, which can take up space in the gut and digestive system, leading to reductions in feeding signals. Additionally, animals can get tangled in the plastic mess too.

Summary: Plastic can be deep down in the seafloor by sinking and become a problem for marine life. Carried by currents, waves, and organic matter, plastics settle deep underwater, threatening bottom-dwelling marine life through ingestion, entanglement, and habitat damage.

Photo: © richcarey via Getty Images

The Impact Of Plastic Pollution On Marine Life

The accumulation of plastic in our oceans has a devastating impact on marine life. According to The New York Times, some marine animals don't just accidentally eat plastic, but they actively seek it out. (This happens because plastic absorbs aquatic odors over time, making them smell remarkably similar to food for some fish and bird species!)

But the sad thing is that when these animals eat plastic instead of real food, they also get a dose of chemicals such as PCBs and heavy metals that the plastic absorbs from the environment.

Let's take a look at some of the marine creatures affected by plastic:

• Sea turtles: Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their prey. This can lead to the turtles becoming entangled in the bags and suffocating.
• Whales: Whales can ingest plastic debris, which can block their digestive systems and lead to starvation.
• Fish: Fish can also ingest plastic debris, which can harm their health and reproduction.

Plastic pollution in our oceans is causing big problems for marine life, disrupting the delicate balance of the marine food chain and posing a threat to endangered species.

So what can we do to help?

There are many things that you can do to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans. Here are a few ideas:

• Reducing Plastic Consumption: Choose reusable alternatives version for plastic bags, water bottles, and straws to reduce single-use plastic.
• Recycle Plastic Whenever Possible: Support recycling initiatives and dispose of plastic waste responsibly. This will help to keep plastic out of our oceans.
• Support Businesses That Are Committed To Reducing Plastic Pollution: This will send a message that there is a demand for sustainable products.
• Switching To Bamboo Toothbrush: Plastic toothbrushes are one of the top plastic pollutants in our ocean. About 5~23 billion plastic toothbrushes are being thrown away every year, and almost all of them are unrecyclable.

By taking these steps, we can all help to reduce plastic pollution in our oceans and protect marine life.

Summary: Plastic pollution is hurting marine life in our oceans. Some animals are even mistaking plastic for food, while others are entangled in them. But we can help by using less plastic, recycling, and supporting sustainable products. Even switching to bamboo toothbrushes can make a huge difference over time!

Quick Takeaway

Plastic pollution doesn’t just drift aimlessly across the ocean, it tends to accumulate in specific areas due to ocean currents, wind patterns, and human activity. Scientists have identified three primary zones where most of the world’s marine plastic waste ends up:

• Coastal Areas: The majority of ocean plastics are washed, buried, and resurfaced along our shorelines.
• Ocean Gyres: These are large rotating currents that circulate around the world's oceans, and they have a unique ability to trap and accumulate debris, including plastic waste.
• The Seafloor: Plastic waste doesn't just float on the ocean's surface, it can also sink to the bottom of the seafloor.

While coastal areas, gyres, and the seafloor are the main accumulation zones, the truth is that no part of the marine environment is safe from plastic’s reach. Plastic pollution is a global issue that extends from our beaches to the ocean’s deepest depths!

Frequently Asked Questions Relate To This Blog:

Question #1: How does plastic waste get into our oceans?

Answer: Plastic waste can get into the ocean in a number of ways; it can be washed into the ocean from rivers, streams, and beaches. Or got blown into the ocean from the air. Also, incidents like improper disposal by people living nearby or shipping container spills can release large quantities of plastic products directly into marine environments.

Question #2: What are the five major ocean gyres?

Answer: The five major ocean gyres are the North Atlantic Gyre, South Atlantic Gyre, North Pacific Gyre, South Pacific Gyre, and the Indian Ocean Gyre. These gyres are large rotating currents that tend to collect plastic debris, as well as other materials in the center.

Question #3: What are the impacts of plastic accumulation in our ocean?

Answer: Plastic can pollute the marine environment by releasing harmful chemicals into the water. These chemicals can harm and contaminate marine life. And worst, animals can mistake plastic for food and eat it.

Question #4: How long does it take for plastic to decompose in the ocean?

Answer: Depending on the type of plastic and the marine environment conditions, such as oxygen levels, sunlight, or microbial activity, plastic materials can take anywhere from a few short years to thousands of years to decompose. For instance, a single-use plastic bag may take roughly 10 to 20 years to decompose in ocean waters, while a plastic bottle, especially those made from polyethylene terephthalate, can take approximately 450 years to decompose.