Microplastics

What Are Microplastics and How Do They Enter Our Ecosystems?

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in length that enter our natural ecosystems from various sources, including cosmetics, clothing, construction, food packaging, and industrial processes.

The Two Types of Microplastics

There are two classifications: primary microplastics, which are manufactured pieces used in products like cosmetics and air blasting technology; and secondary microplastics, which form through the breakdown and degradation of larger plastic debris at sea and on land.

The Environmental Impact of Microplastics

Microplastics persist in the environment, causing water pollution in aquatic and marine ecosystems. They accumulate in air and terrestrial ecosystems, and their toxic chemicals biomagnify up the food chain. As they degrade into nanoplastics through chemical weathering processes, mechanical breakdown, and digestive processes of animals, microplastic fibers enter the environment from clothing wear and tear, while tires erode into tiny particles as they’re used.

Microplastics in Our Daily Lives

The Norwegian Environment Agency report (2015) proposed classifying microplastic sources as primary if they originate from human activities and are added to the environment through emissions. Nanoplastics, less than 1 μm in size, pose environmental threats due to their small size allowing them to cross cellular membranes and affect cell functioning.

Microplastics in Textiles and Tires

Textile fibers have been studied for indoor and outdoor concentrations, with an average human exposure of 1-60 fibers/m³ indoors and 0.3-1.5 fibers/m³ outdoors. The deposition rate indoors is 1586-11,130 fibers per day/m³. Plastic containers can shed microplastics and nanoparticles into foods and beverages. Bottled water contains high levels of microplastics, with some brands containing up to 930 microplastic particles per liter.

The Construction Industry’s Contribution

Plastics are extensively used in construction and renovation, producing airborne microplastic dust during projects and releasing microplastics over time. Single-use plastics add to waste, which is difficult to recycle and ends up in landfills, causing environmental harm. The cosmetics industry uses microplastics in products such as face washes and hand soaps, which are washed into sewage systems and released into waterways, harming wildlife and the environment.

Microplastics in Manufacturing and Transportation

The manufacturing sector contributes significantly to microplastic pollution. Plastic production increased from 2.9 million pellets to 368 million tonnes in 2019, with China producing 31% of global plastic output. Pellets can enter aquatic ecosystems through accidental spillage, improper use, and direct outflow from processing plants.

Transportation’s Role

Transportation is a significant source of microplastic emissions. Car and truck tires contribute to the flow of microplastics into the environment, with estimates ranging from 5,500 to 14,000 tonnes per year. Secondary microplastics are more important than primary ones by two orders of magnitude. Per capita emissions range from 0.23 to 4.7 kg/year, with a global average of 0.81 kg/year.

Microplastics in Our Food and Environment

Freshwater microplastic concentrations vary by location and study but are often high with an average of 37.8 fragments per square meter in Lake Huron sediment samples. Microplastics have also been detected in the Great Lakes, Masurian Lakeland, Canada, and Europe. In watersheds, researchers found 90% of microplastics were fibers from clothing, city runoff, and atmospheric deposition.

The Impact on Marine Life

Microplastics have been widely detected in various environments including freshwater ecosystems, watersheds, soil, salt, and seafood. Fish ingest microplastics inadvertently rather than intentionally, which can block their digestive tracts and send incorrect feeding signals. Researchers have found microplastics in the guts of 11 species of coastal freshwater fish, representing different feeding habits.

Microplastic Pollution Solutions

The large amounts of plastic in the environment can lead to toxicity debt, with years of decay and release of toxic compounds. Microplastics are ingested by marine and freshwater organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and embedding in animal tissue through ingestion or respiration.

Prevention and Treatment

Dust control measures like lining areas with tarps and using vacuum bags on power tools can help prevent microplastic pollution. Efficient removal of microplastics in wastewater treatment plants is crucial, as well as the development of collection devices that can clear 90% of ocean’s microplastics (though most experts dismiss such proposals).

Education and Recycling Efforts

Increasing education through recycling campaigns, improving recycling technology, and reducing plastic production are key steps. Organizations like The Garbage Patch State, EPA’s ‘Trash-Free Waters’ initiative, Florida Microplastic Awareness Project, and Global advocacy for UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 play significant roles in promoting action against microplastic pollution.

Conclusion

The fight against microplastics is a global challenge that requires collective effort. From reducing plastic production to improving recycling technology, every step counts in safeguarding our environment and health. By working together, we can mitigate the impact of these tiny yet powerful pollutants on our ecosystems.