Microplastic contamination is far worse than we suspected.
The latest Auckland University research shows contamination on our beaches is 50 times worse than previously reported.
Research lead author Mahyar Ghanadi said it's far worse than we suspected.
"The current levels of microplastic contamination in Auckland coastal areas are at least 50 times higher than what we previously thought based on previous research studies," he said.
Ghanadi studied samples of sand and seawater in July and August at six of Auckland City's most popular beaches and at the ferry terminal.
But, unlike previous studies, he used a finer water filter and advanced laser direct infrared imaging techniques, techniques which could soon reveal even greater concentrations.
"It could be again, with advances in our instrumental technique, it can be several orders of magnitude higher in future," Ghanadi said.
It's only this century we've learned microplastics accumulate in our oceans, causing untold damage to marine life and potentially to us too.
The study indicates a ten-fold increase in the concentration of microplastics near stormwater outlets, suggesting a link between urban runoff and microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems.
An outlet in Auckland's Okahu Bay is already one that council workers are cleaning up after events triggered by recent heavy rain.
However, there's one sliver of good news.
Since shops stopped giving out single-use plastic bags in 2019, there's less of the plastic that's used to make them being found on our beaches.
