27 million tons of nanoplasty threaten our North Atlantic ecosystem!

27 million tons of nanoplasty threaten our North Atlantic ecosystem!

Nordatlantik, Europa - The world's oceans are deep blue and bright, but dark secrets are hidden under the surface. Latest findings on nanoplastic pollution in the North Atlantic make it clear that the dangers made of plastic are far more comprehensive than previously assumed. According to a current study that was published on July 9, 2025 in the journal Nature , the estimated amount of plastic particles below 1 micrometer in this area of the ocean is an incredible 27 million tons. This number is not only worrying, but also makes it clear that vacation paradises may be on a mountain of nanoplasty.

Scientists of the Royal Netherland Institute for Sea Research (NiOz) and the University of Utrecht, led by the master student Sophie Ten Hietbrink, have collected water samples at twelve different locations along a research expedition between the Azores and the European continental base. Material was filtered out over a micrometer and analyzed in a laboratory using mass spectrometry. This advanced method enabled the identification of different types of plastic in the water and brought the frequency of nanoplasty to light.

How does nanoplasty get into the oceans?

A central aspect of the study is the way that nanoplasty finds in the sea. Environmental influences lead to the decomposition of larger plastics through sunlight, rivers contribute to this and the air also has its influence - be it due to floating particles in rainwater or through "dry deposit". Helge Niemann, a leading researcher at the NiOz, emphasizes that the set of nanoplasty is a significant piece of puzzle in the packaging of global plastic pollution, which has not been ignored for a long time. There is also alarm signs, because nanoplasty can penetrate body cells and even found the way into the brain tissue.

The dangers should not be underestimated. In contrast to microplastics, which is mainly considered less serious in terms of health, nanoplasty is considered chemically reactive and potentially harmful to health. But what exactly does that mean for us and the marine ecosystem? According to a report by Science.de, nanoplasty is already making the lion's share of the marine plastic pollution.

challenges and future research

A big problem with the examination of nanoplasty is the difficulty in identifying and analyzing the tiny particles. Existing technologies are often unable to correctly identify the tiny plastic bodies. The new methods developed in the current study include special filtering and mass spectrometry, which significantly facilitate identification.

Despite the progress, however, the knowledge of the spread and effects of nanoplasty on other oceans and biotopes remains vaguely. It is unclear whether other maritime regions are equally affected. Future research should not only further examine the effects of nanoplasty, but also look at other plastic types in the 1 micrometer or smaller faction - polyethylene and polypropylene are in focus.

The conclusion of the study relies on an urgent message: preventing further plastic pollution is of the utmost importance. It is in our hands to protect these precious waters and ensure that future generations can also experience the beauty and diversity of the oceans. To sharpen awareness of these topics and be ready to take measures would be a first step in the right direction.

For more detailed information and further perspectives on the study results, take a look at the reports of Marine Technology News, Nature and Science.de, all of which offer a deep insight into this significant problem.