1. Toothbrushes
One of the most common—and unsettling—finds is the humble toothbrush.
These everyday items, with their sturdy plastic handles and synthetic bristles,
show up in ocean plastic samples far too often.
Toothbrushes are designed to last and, unfortunately, that means they persist for centuries once discarded.
Marine animals mistake them for food, putting both wildlife and the ecosystem at risk.
For more on the surprising history and impact of plastic toothbrushes, visit
National Geographic.