Abstract

Core samples from 18 deep-sea stations (2,200-5,600 m depth) in the South Atlantic reveal microplastic concentrations of 1.8-24.7 particles per gram dry sediment. Polyethylene and polypropylene dominate the particle composition. Sedimentation rate modeling suggests a doubling of microplastic flux every 8.4 years since 1995, with convergence zones showing 3.8x higher concentrations.