More than 170tn plastic particles afloat in oceans, say scientists

‘Cleanup is futile’ if production continues at current rate, amid rapid rise in marine pollution

An unprecedented rise in plastic pollution has been uncovered by scientists, who have calculated that more than 170tn plastic particles are afloat in the oceans.

They have called for a reduction in the production of plastics, warning that “cleanup is futile” if they continue to be pumped into the environment at the current rate.