Road traffic microplastics flooding world's oceans, study finds

Microplastics have been found atop some of Earth's highest glaciers and at the bottom of its deepest trenches. Photos: AFP

Airborne microplastics from traffic pollution may be entering the world's oceans at a similar rate to that of rivers, according to a new research on July 14 warning that the particles may also speed up Arctic ice melt.

As global plastic production continues to surge, the study is the first attempt at quantifying how much plastic from road vehicle tyres and brake pads is dispersed and deposited by air currents.