Pathways and fate of plastic waste in the marine environment
Plastics enter the oceans via several pathways. Inputs are mainly from rivers, directly from land, sea-based, atmospheric, and to a smaller degree biological. The fishing industry is also a significant source of plastic pollution. The dispersal of plastic pollution in the marine environment depends upon the composition, shape and density of the plastic particles, as well as prevailing physical conditions. Particles composed of polymers with a higher density than that of seawater will sink to the seafloor.
Year: 2021
From collection: Drowning in Plastics: Marine Litter and Plastic Waste Vital Graphics
Cartographer: GRID-Arendal