Garbage Patches

Question 1

Quick garbage patch facts

Answer 1

UV rays break down plastic into pieces smaller than 1cm squared

Scientists discover degrading plastics release toxic chemicals such as bisphenol into the ocean

Plastic bottles can take up to 450 years to break down

Question 2

What are circulating ocean currents called.

Answer 2

Gyres

Question 3

Example of garbage patch : Pacific garbage patch

Answer 3

Over 1.6 million km

Estimated to contain 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic

Largely made up of discarded fishing gear ( over half )