Oceanic gyres, large systems of circulating ocean currents, are known accumulation zones for marine debris, including microplastics (MNPs). Establishing accurate baseline concentrations in these areas is critical for understanding the scale of the problem and tracking future changes. This report summarizes the findings from Hydro Carbon Labs' initial sampling expedition to the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre.
Methodology Overview
Water samples were collected at various depths across a predefined grid within the gyre using standardized manta trawls (surface) and Niskin bottle rosettes (sub-surface). Strict contamination control protocols were followed throughout collection and transport. Laboratory analysis involved density separation followed by characterization using both FTIR (Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) for larger particles (>50μm) and SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) for smaller microplastics and potential nanoplastics (<50μm).
Key Findings (Summary)
Preliminary analysis reveals significant MNP presence across all sampled locations and depths, though concentrations varied.
- Average surface concentrations were found to be [Placeholder: e.g., X particles/m³], dominated primarily by [Placeholder: e.g., polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP)] fragments.
- Sub-surface samples showed [Placeholder: e.g., lower overall particle counts but a higher proportion of smaller fragments and fibers, potentially including PET and synthetic textiles].
- SERS analysis indicated the presence of particles down to the sub-micron range, though quantification remains challenging and is an area of ongoing refinement.
"These baseline measurements confirm the pervasive nature of MNP contamination even in remote oceanic regions and highlight the need for standardized detection methods, particularly for nanoplastics."
Implications and Next Steps
This dataset provides a crucial snapshot of MNP pollution in the North Atlantic Gyre. It will serve as a benchmark for future monitoring and contribute to global models predicting plastic transport and fate. Ongoing work includes further refining SERS quantification protocols, analyzing potential correlations with oceanographic parameters, and expanding sampling efforts to other gyres.
The full technical report containing detailed methodology, data tables, and spectral analysis is available to registered partners via our Data Portal.
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