Microplastics Wave in the Ocean

As the bold Ocean Race sails through some of the world's most remote and untouched ocean environments, an alarming discovery has emerged. Sailors conducting water tests during the race have found microplastics in every sample, shedding light on the extent of this growing crisis.

In some locations, the concentration of microplastic particles in seawater has reached up to 1,884 particles per cubic meter, a staggering 18 times higher than similar tests conducted during the last Ocean Race in 2018. Scientists attribute this increase not only to heightened pollution levels but also to the enhanced sensitivity of their analysis instruments.

These samples were collected during the initial legs of the race, which began in January and will conclude in July. The route takes the sailors through the South Atlantic Ocean, near the location considered the farthest from land anywhere on Earth.

During leg two, stretching from Cabo Verde to South Africa, microplastic concentrations in the samples ranged from 92 to 1,884 particles per cubic meter. In leg three, from Cape Town to Itajaí, Brazil, concentrations ranged from 160 to 1,492 per cubic meter.

The boats are equipped with filters capable of capturing plastic particles measuring between 0.03mm and 5mm. These samples are sent daily to the NOC for analysis, with support from the University of Rhode Island.

The highest concentrations of microplastics were discovered near coastlines and urban areas, with readings ranging from 816 to 1,712 particles per cubic meter off the coast of South Africa. These particles were also found in the "garbage patch" areas of the sea, where ocean currents cause plastic to accumulate. This is a stark contrast to concentrations observed during the 2017-18 Ocean Race, which ranged from 50 to 100 particles per cubic meter.

Samples collected near Point Nemo, the planet's most remote area, located 2,688km (1,450 nautical miles) from land in all directions, revealed 320 microplastic particles per cubic meter. This is significantly higher than the 9-41 particles recorded in the last race.

The most prevalent chemical in these plastics is polyethylene, commonly used for single-use packaging, plastic bags, and containers like bottles.

The data from Ocean Race Europe in 2021 has also indicated that the Atlantic Ocean, with an average microplastics concentration of 100 particles per cubic meter, holds a significant share of the crisis, while the Baltic Sea presents an even more alarming picture with an average of 230 particles per cubic meter. This underscores the urgency of addressing this issue on a global scale.