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Ever wondered whether microplastics could affect the ocean carbon cycle? New research suggests they may interfere with the growth of phytoplankton - microscopic algae that play an important role in absorbing and moving carbon through the ocean.

imarest.orgMicroplastics: a new variable in the ocean carbon cycleNew research suggests microplastics may interfere with the growth of microscopic algae involved in the ocean carbon cycle

Sam Andrews

@oceanoculus.com

The good news is that, globally, the estimated impact on the carbon cycle is small. But some phytoplankton communities may be more affected by microplastics than others. That means the impacts on carbon sequestration could be greater in some regions than others.

imarest.orgMicroplastics: a new variable in the ocean carbon cycleNew research suggests microplastics may interfere with the growth of microscopic algae involved in the ocean carbon cycle

8/9/26, 6:30 am0 reposts2 likes

Sam Andrews

@oceanoculus.com

8 Sept

Thanks to Fei Song at NTNU for chatting with me about their research, its limitations, and why these impacts could matter for life-cycle assessments for this imarest.bsky.social story champ.ly/PItIekGf

imarest.orgMicroplastics: a new variable in the ocean carbon cycleNew research suggests microplastics may interfere with the growth of microscopic algae involved in the ocean carbon cycle