Plastic's Hidden Pathways: Tracing Non-Floating Debris Around the Iberian Peninsula

The ocean's plastic problem is not just about what floats. While the world focuses on surface plastics, a silent accumulation is happening below. Recent research used advanced computer models to track non-floating plastics around the Iberian Peninsula. This isn't just about seeing where plastics go. It's about understanding how they move and where they end up. Four common types of plastics were studied. The research looked at two main sources: plastics from land and plastics from the sea. The models ran for five years. They showed a surprising plastic-free zone in the southwestern Gulf of Cadiz. Strong deep-sea currents here seem to keep plastics from settling.Plastics from the coast tend to stay on the continental shelf. But over time, they can spread further. Some even reach underwater mountains, or seamounts. When plastics from the sea are added, the spread is even wider. This shows that sea-based activities contribute significantly to ocean plastic pollution. The study used a 3D model to predict plastic accumulation patterns. This is a step forward in understanding the complex movement of non-floating plastics. It highlights the need for better waste management and pollution control measures.