Microplastics affect global nutrient cycle and oxygen levels in the ocean

The effects of the steadily increasing amount of plastic in the ocean are complex and not yet fully understood. Scientists have now shown for the first time that the uptake of microplastics by zooplankton can have significant effects on the marine ecosystem even at low concentrations. The study indicates that the resulting changes may be responsible for a loss of oxygen in the ocean beyond that caused by global warming.