Microplastics could be impacting the oceans' ability to absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) which is critical for regulating Earth's temperature, according to a research. 'Biological carbon pumping' is a natural process by which an ocean transfers carbon from the atmosphere into the deep sea layers.

"Microplastics (MPs) interfere with this process by reducing phytoplankton photosynthesis and impairing zooplankton metabolism," authors including those from the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates said.