Vertical profile characterization of microplastic concentration at open ocean in Canary Region

Abstract

Nowadays there is no doubt about the presence of microplastic in the ocean, both on the surface and in the sediments, having those a great impact on the marine environment and organisms. The types of plastic found vary in composition, physical properties and source of income to the ocean, what means that the different densities of each of them cause a different distribution in the water column. This study analyses the accumulation of microplastic in the water column, up to 1152m depth in the Canary Islands. The results show accumulation at all depths, varying in distribution, quantity and colors according to the area. On total average, 47,59 fragments per liter and 3,93 fibers per liter were found on the stations, being 90% of those of blue color. Station M02 exhibit the maximum accumulation of microplastic, reaching 7194 fragments at 274m, and a total of 17711 from surface to 485 meter deep. So far, most studies mark the largest accumulation of microplastic on the ocean's surface, however, our results show a greater accumulation of up to 40% of the total microplastic analyzed in certain stations between 95 and 275 meters deep. Moreover, high concentration of microplastic was also found below 600m depth, obtaining 42,66 fragments per liter and 5,08 fibers per liter.