Auckland’s popular beaches, including Okahu Bay and Mission Bay, are polluted with microplastics at rates at least 50 times worse than reported elsewhere on New Zealand’s coasts, researchers have discovered.

They used sophisticated imaging techniques to identify the microplastics, many of which were widely used in packaging, coatings, footwear and textiles.

Once released into the ocean, microplastics could inflict injuries and suffocation on marine species, or disrupt feeding patterns and growth rates.

“Our findings underscore the urgency of addressing microplastic pollution to safeguard marine ecosystems,” study leader and PhD student Mahyar Ghanadi said.

More here.

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