The North Atlantic Ocean harbors a staggering 27 million tons of nanoplastics, according to a groundbreaking study published in the scientific journal Nature on July 9, 2025. Conducted by the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and Utrecht University, this research marks the first attempt to quantify the amount of plastic particles smaller than one micrometer in our oceans.
Sophie ten Hietbrink, a master’s student from Utrecht University, spent four weeks aboard the research vessel RV Pelagia, collecting water samples from 12 locations between the Azores and the European continental shelf. By filtering out particles larger than one micrometer and analyzing the remaining material using mass spectrometry, the team identified the characteristic molecules of various plastics.
The findings provide a crucial piece of the puzzle in the “paradox of the missing plastic,” which refers to the discrepancy between the amount of plastic produced and the amount that can be accounted for in waste streams and large ocean plastic accumulations. “A shocking amount,” Ten Hietbrink remarked, highlighting the significance of the discovery.
Nanoplastics enter the ocean through multiple pathways. Larger plastic debris degrades into smaller particles under the influence of sunlight, while rivers carry nanoplastics from land to sea. Additionally, atmospheric transport contributes to the problem, as nanoplastics are deposited onto the ocean surface via rainwater or dry deposition.
Helge Niemann, a researcher at NIOZ and professor of geochemistry at Utrecht University, has secured a €3.5 million grant to delve deeper into the fate and consequences of nanoplastics in the marine environment. The potential impacts on ecosystems are profound, as nanoplastics can penetrate deep into organisms, including human brain tissue. “Now that we know they are so ubiquitous in the oceans, it’s also obvious that they penetrate the entire ecosystem,” Niemann emphasized.
Future research will focus on identifying other types of plastics not yet detected in the nanoplastics fraction, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which may have been masked by other molecules in the study. The team also aims to investigate the prevalence of nanoplastics in other oceans, with Niemann expressing concern that similar levels may be found elsewhere.
The study underscores the urgent need for preventive measures to curb further plastic pollution. “The nanoplastics that are there, can never be cleaned up,” Niemann stated, emphasizing the importance of preventing additional plastic from entering our environment.
This research is a wake-up call for the maritime industry and policymakers alike. The pervasive presence of nanoplastics in the ocean highlights the need for innovative solutions to reduce plastic waste and mitigate its environmental impact. As the industry grapples with this new reality, it must also consider the potential implications for marine life, human health, and the broader ecosystem.
The findings may spur advancements in plastic waste management, recycling technologies, and the development of biodegradable alternatives. Moreover, the study could influence international policies and regulations aimed at reducing plastic pollution and protecting marine environments. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, it must prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship to address the challenges posed by nanoplastics and other forms of marine pollution.