Core Insights - The research published in the journal "Nature" explores the distribution of microplastics in the ocean at various depths, indicating that the size of microplastics significantly affects their distribution and behavior, with some potentially entering the carbon cycle [1][2] Group 1: Microplastic Distribution - Larger microplastics (100-5000 micrometers) are more likely to be captured by the ocean's stratification, while those smaller than 100 micrometers have a more uniform distribution and longer lifespan in the water column [1] - The study highlights the importance of understanding microplastic distribution for developing effective strategies to mitigate their environmental impact [1] Group 2: Research Methodology - The research utilized depth profile data from 1885 global recording stations collected between 2014 and 2024 to assess the concentration and behavior of microplastics at different depths [1] - The findings indicate that microplastics may constitute a significant component of the ocean's carbon cycle, with their proportion increasing from 0.1% at 30 meters depth to 5% at 2000 meters depth [1] Group 3: Observations in Deep Water - Significant quantities of microplastics were observed in deep water, with over 1100 particles per cubic meter detected at depths of 100-270 meters in the Atlantic, 600 particles per cubic meter at 2000 meters in the North Pacific subtropical gyre, and 13500 particles per cubic meter at 6800 meters in the Mariana Trench [2] - The authors noted that the lack of standardized methods has led to considerable uncertainty, making it challenging to draw clear conclusions and better understand the distribution of microplastics in the ocean [2]

本报讯近日，上海海洋大学"深海极端环境与生物资源"创新团队方家松教授团队在深渊微生物保压 酶学研究方面取得新进展，研究成果发表在权威期刊《中国科学：地球科学》。 研究团队首次采用自主研发的"微生物胞外酶全海深保真测定装置"，对马里亚纳海沟不同深度（50 米至10903米）的海水样本进行保压采样、保压转移和保压酶学分析。通过对比常压条件下的传统检测 方法，该研究发现保持深海／深渊真实压力环境测得的酶活性通常显著高于常规检测结果，这颠覆了学 界对深海微生物代谢能力的传统认知。 "就像深海鱼类出水会因压力骤变而死亡一样，深海微生物的活性也会因压力变化而变化，通常被 低估。"论文第一作者曹军伟博士说。研究还发现，在深渊环境中，自由游离的酶分子对生态系统的影 响远超附着在颗粒物上的酶类，这一发现为理解海洋碳循环提供了新思路。 该成果的突破性意义在于，首次建立保压环境下的深海胞外酶活性检测技术标准（保压采样、保压 转移及保压酶学测定），填补了全流程保持深渊原位条件开展微生物代谢活性研究的空白；揭示了高压 环境对微生物活性的关键影响，为准确评估海洋碳封存能力提供科学依据；自主研发的"微生物胞外酶 全海深保真测定装置"获国家 ...