German experts from the Helmholtz Institute for Environmental Research and the Center for Polar and Marine Research at the Alfred Wegner Institute reported the identification of new zones of polymer waste pollution in the world’s oceans. The main results of the study were published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology (ES&T).

The scientists carried out a five-week expedition, during which they took samples of surface water in the North Pacific Ocean between Vancouver, Canada, and Singapore.

“We chose our study sites based on expected high and low concentrations of plastic. Some of them were in areas that were already well studied, such as the famous Great Pacific Garbage Patch. We are also interested in studying areas of the open ocean that have been largely unexplored before. For example, we took samples in a marine sanctuary northwest of the Hawaiian Islands and in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Wildlife Refuge,” said the professor of chemical ecology. Annika Jahnkeone of the study’s authors.

Scientists noted that they were shocked by the discovery of high concentrations of plastic in protected areas of the Pacific Ocean, which contradicts the expectations of forecasting models.

“Plastic litter impacts all ocean ecosystems and continues to accumulate in the marine environment,” added Professor Jahnke.

During the study, scientists found plastic particles in all water samples taken.