Ocean contains a million times more microplastic particles than previously thought

The University of California, San Diego conducted research suggesting the ocean may contain far more microplastic particles than previously estimated. Traditional collection methods were inadequate, leading researchers to develop new techniques for gathering microplastics from the ocean surface. The study involved collecting seawater and salp samples over several years, revealing higher plastic concentrations near the shore. Analysis showed microplastics in every salp sample, estimating 8.3 million microplastic pieces per cubic meter of water.

What were the findings regarding the concentration of plastic in near shore samples compared to those from the open sea?

How did scientists estimate the contamination of the sea by microplastics?