Plastics in Ocean May Decompose and Release Toxic Chemicals

A new study shows that plastic waste floating in oceans, like those found in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, may decompose much faster than expected and release toxic substances into the ocean. This comes as a surprise as plastic was believed to be relatively stable, and only threaten marine animals when eaten. Decomposed plastic may cause additional pollution when the potentially toxic bisphenol A (BPA) and PS oligomer is released into ocean.

The study was announced today at the 238th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS). The researchers found that polystyrene begins decomposition within a year. With the volume of plastic waste so large, the release of toxic compound may disrupt hormones function and reproductive systems in marine animals.

Other researchers, however, are not convinced by the result. Ocean researcher Charles Moore said that, "Polystyrene is actually heavier than seawater, so before it ever chemically breaks down or degrades, it may be sinking to the bottom." While Moore was not involved in the particular study, he believes the condition at the bottom of the ocean would not cause decomposition.