How big is the microlayer of the ocean?

The sea surface microlayer (SML) covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and is the boundary layer interface between the ocean and the atmosphere.

How are microplastics collected from the sea surface?

Data collected show the usefulness of the dipped glass plate method as a rapid and inexpensive tool for sampling SML-associated microplastics in estuaries, and indicate that microplastics preferentially accumulate at the SML in estuarine conditions (providing a potential transfer mechanism for incorporation into upper intertidal sinks).

How are MPs found in the sea surface?

This, coupled with the hydrophobicity of many common plastics, means that MPs may exhibit high concentrations in the sea surface microlayer (SML – defined conventionally as the upper 1–1000 μm of the ocean) relative to deeper water 3, 4.

Why are sea surface microlayers important to the ecosystem?

This important biogeochemical and ecological system is critical to a diverse range of Earth system processes, including the synthesis, transformation and cycling of organic material, and the air–sea exchange of gases, particles and aerosols.

How does the SML differ from sub surface water?

The chemical, physical, and biological properties of the SML differ greatly from the sub-surface water just a few centimeters beneath. Organic compounds such as amino acids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, and phenols are highly enriched in the SML interface.

How are microbes transported from land to sea?

When airborne, these microbes can be transported long distances to coastal regions. If they hit land they can have detrimental effects on animals, vegetation and human health. Marine aerosols that contain viruses can travel hundreds of kilometers from their source and remain in liquid form as long as the humidity is high enough (over 70%).