What does the study of plastic pollution in ocean sediments primarily focus on?

The study of plastic pollution in ocean sediments primarily focuses on its effects on sedimentological processes. This is because the presence of plastic debris in sediment can alter how sediments accumulate and interact with the marine environment. Examining how plastics affect the physical and chemical properties of sediments helps researchers understand broader environmental impacts, including habitat changes for marine organisms and the potential for plastics to act as vectors for pollutants and microorganisms.

While the other aspects, such as contributions to ocean acidity, roles in coral reef development, or relations to marine economic activities, are important areas of study in their own right, they do not directly relate to the primary focus on how plastics interact with sediment formation and dynamics. The primary concern with plastic pollution lies in how it alters the fundamental processes that shape ocean sediments and their ecosystems.