Calcite carbonate sinks low-density plastic debris in open oceans

Index

Abstract

The vertical settling of plastic debris in oceans is poorly understood. This study uses a model incorporating microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) and new motion equations for irregular low-density microplastics (LDMPs). The model shows that LDMPs (10–200 µm) gain sufficient density to sink to the ocean floor, explaining their presence in sediments. Size and shape significantly affect settling patterns, highlighting calcite's importance in LDMP sinking.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Jun 06, 2024

Authors

Xiang-Fei Sun, Yanxu Zhang, Meng-Yi Xie, Lei Mai, Eddy Y. Zeng

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