New research reveals that PET-based glitter microplastics can actively influence biomineralisation processes in marine environments, raising fresh concerns about the long-term environmental impact of microplastic pollution on marine ecosystems. The research, led by a team from Trinity College Dublin’s School of Natural Sciences and published in the journal Environmental Sciences Europe, shows that these microplastics promote the crystallisation of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) minerals, potentially affecting the growth and stability of marine calcifying organisms. 

Oceanic mesoscale eddies are fundamental components of ocean dynamic systems, typically spanning tens to hundreds of kilometers and persisting for weeks to several months. As key dynamic features governing ocean energy distribution, these eddies regulate oceanic energy budgets, heat redistribution and material transport processes. Recent technological advancements have substantially expanded our understanding of oceanic mesoscale eddies, which could help inform future research paths to better understand and predict the eddies, according to a team of researchers based in China.