Breaking apart is not the same as breaking down. Breaking apart is separating into small particles without any change in chemical composition. Breaking down is a chemical decomposition into a substance that does not have the characteristics of the original material.
The plastic in the ocean is breaking apart, spelling a disaster for creatures living in the ocean. There is currently no way for plastic materials to break down in the ocean or salt water. Would be nice if there were. There isn’t.
Really?? It depends on how far the "breaking apart goes". Reduced to small enough particles, and the plastic is harmless.
"There is currently no way for plastic materials to break down in the ocean or salt water. Would be nice if there were. There isn’t."
Plastic breaks down just fine in the ocean as long as it is exposed to sunlight. There is this idea that "plastics are forever", which is bullshit. Any chemist (which I am) knows better. A great deal of work has to be put into plastic formulations to KEEP them from spontaneously breaking down.