Plastic yo-yos in the oceans

Researchers at Wageningen University and Research (WUR) have developed a model to explain how floating plastic sinks in relation to the density and size of the particles. Some of that plastic then yo-yos back and forth under the surface of the water.
The driving force behind this process is algae growth. Algae attach themselves to the surface of floating plastic, causing the plastic to become heavier. As a result of this and the further growth of the algae, the plastic becomes heavier than water and sinks into the ocean. But the deeper the water, the darker it gets. The algae die, the plastic becomes lighter and finally rises again (News Item WUR, 17 August 2017).
Click here for the news item.
Click here for more information about the NVC Project PUMA: the end of packaging as an environmental issue. You are welcome to join us for the next project meeting on 4 April 2018.

This news item is also included in our monthly overview, the NVC Members-only Update. If you have any questions, please contact us: info@nvc.nl, +31-(0)182-512411.