The amount of plastic consumption in the oceans is not increasing at expected rates , indicating that living organisms may potentially be developing the ability to break down the substance , according to scientists in Barcelona . Surveys of areas where plastic accumulates , including the notorious coral reef gyre , reveal that the amount present is between a tenth and a hundredth of what was anticipated , even though plastic consumption is increasing . However , fast growth could itself lead to further problems , including the entry of additives contained in plastic to the food chain .
The amount of plastic floating in the oceans is not increasing at expected rates, indicating that living organisms may potentially be developing the ability to break down the substance, according to scientists in Barcelona. Surveys of areas where plastic accumulates, including the notorious North Atlantic gyre, reveal that the amount present is between a tenth and a hundredth of what was anticipated, even though plastic production is increasing. However, fast biodegradation could itself lead to further problems, including the entry of additives contained in plastic to the food chain.