Maritime rope could be adding billions of microplastics to the ocean
every year

Date:
September 22, 2021
Source:
University of Plymouth
Summary:
A new study has explored the potential for rope to become a source
of microplastic pollution in the marine environment.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
The hauling of rope on maritime vessels could result in billions of microplastic fragments entering the ocean every year, according to
new research.


==========================================================================
The study, by the University of Plymouth's International Marine Litter
Research Unit, is the first to explore the potential for rope to become
a source of microplastic pollution in the marine environment.

It compared a variety of synthetic ropes commonly used in the maritime
industry -- but differing in age, wear surface and material -- to assess
the quantity and characterises of microplastics produced while they were
in use.

This was achieved by simulating, in both laboratory and field experiments,
the rope hauling activity which is typically performed on board maritime vessels such as fishing boats.

The results show that new and one-year old ropes can release around 20 microplastic fragments into the ocean for every metre hauled.

However, as the rope gets older it can release significantly more
fragments - - two-year-old ropes shed on average around 720 fragments per metre, while 10- year-old rope releases more than 760 fragments per metre.



========================================================================== Writing in Science of the Total Environment, researchers say that in
fishing activities the rope length deployed during each haul could be
up to 220m depending on the type of vessel and the depth of the ocean.

However, based on a modest 50m of rope being hauled from a boat, they
estimate that each time new rope is hauled it could release between 700
and 2000 microplastic pieces. Used rope could release anywhere up to
40,000 fragments.

With more than 4,500 active fishing vessels in the UK, their estimates
suggest this could result in anything between 326 million to 17 billion microplastic pieces entering the ocean annually from the UK fleet alone.

Research Fellow Dr Imogen Napper, who led the study, said: "These
estimates were calculated after hauling a 2.5kg weight. However, most
maritime activities would be hauling much heavier loads, creating more
friction and potentially more fragments. It highlights the pressing need
for standards on rope maintenance, replacement and recycling in the
maritime industry. However, it also shows the importance of continued innovation in synthetic rope design with the specific aim to reduce microplastic emissions." The University of Plymouth was the first to
highlight the global problem of marine microplastics, earning the Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in 2019.

Previous research, in conjunction with the Fishing for Litter initiative,
has shown that commercial fishers are acutely aware of the potential
for marine litter to cause lasting damage to their catches and the
wider industry.

The University is also part of an ongoing project working to develop biodegradable fishing gear that can be used by both small and large
boats across the industry.

This study was funded by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural
Affairs (Defra) as part of a wider project examining the impact of tyres
and textiles on the marine environment.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Plymouth. Note:
Content may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Imogen Ellen Napper, Luka Seamus Wright, Aaron C. Barrett,
Florence N.F.

Parker-Jurd, Richard C. Thompson. Potential microplastic release
from the maritime industry: Abrasion of rope. Science of The Total
Environment, 2022; 804: 150155 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.150155 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/09/210922090846.htm

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