Abstract
The global distribution of microplastic debris on the sea floor poses an increasing risk to marine organisms and ecosystems. Here, we present a distribution analysis of microplastics collected from eight marine multicores recovered from the Iceland continental shelf and surrounding areas at water depth between 241 and 1628 m. We report a total of 306 microplastics from the size range > 250 μm −5 mm, of which all were fibers. Microplastic numbers range between 0.119 and 0.768 per gram of dry sediments. In the analysis we assess the potential role of oceanic surface and bottom water currents, organic content, and sediment type on the distribution, deposition, and burial of microplastics in marine sediments. Our results provide the first record of microplastic pollution of marine sediments from the Iceland continental shelf and identify Atlantic Cod feeding and breeding grounds as potential hot spot for the accumulation of marine debris.
Highlights
It is estimated that about 80% of the global marine debris consists of plastic (Barnes et al, 2009)
The results provide the first record of microplastic pollution in Marine Pollution Bulletin 164 (2021) 111976 marine sediments from the Iceland shelf and explore the deposition of microplastics within varying oceanographic conditions
We considered land-based sources, the fishing industry, seafloor topography, and oceanic transport pathways to discuss potential sources for the deposition, accumulation, and distribution of microplastics within marine sediments of the Iceland Shelf Region
Summary
It is estimated that about 80% of the global marine debris consists of plastic (Barnes et al, 2009). Micro plastics (
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