Microplastic Mass Concentrations and Distribution in German Bight Waters by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Thermochemolysis Reveal Potential Impact of Marine Coatings: Do Ships Leave Skid Marks?

In this first mass-related survey of microplastics (MPs, <1 mm) in the German Bight (North Sea, 2.5 m water depth), spatial load, temporal variations, and potential sources were examined. Relevant plastic types were detected using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry/thermochemolysis (Py-GC/MS).