Microplastic: one of the main pollutants in the oceans

Nearly invisible microplastic particles are harmful to marine life and humans

Microplastic

What is microplastic

Microplastic, as the name implies, is a small plastic particle. This type of material is one of the main pollutants in the oceans. Some researchers consider that the maximum size of the microplastic is 1 millimeter, while others adopt the measure of 5 millimeters.

The big problem is that, as mentioned in our article on the large amount of plastic in the oceans, microplastic alters the composition of certain parts of the oceans, harming the region's ecosystem and, consequently, human health.

Where do they come from?

The microplastic that ends up in the ocean comes from the inadequate disposal of packaging; escape of containers from landfills through wind and rain; washing clothes made from plastic fibers such as polyester; escape of plastic raw material such as nurdles; among others. Upon reaching nature, products such as bottles, packaging and toys that were not properly disposed of, undergo a process of mechanical breakage carried out by rain, winds and ocean waves, which cause the products to fragment into small plastic particles that are characterized as microplastic.

  • There are microplastics in salt, food, air and water

Researches show that the inadequate industrial disposal of plastics and even the loss of raw materials that contain microplastic in their composition, plastic pellets for example, which throughout the logistic process end up dispersed in the environment, are also a source of pollution by microplastic. A study by the Foundation North Sea, in partnership with other institutions, pointed out the presence of microplastic in beauty and personal care products such as exfoliants, shampoos, soaps, toothpaste, eyeliners, deodorants gloss and lip balms in the form of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon.

the risks

Preliminary research already points out some of the health risks related to pollution generated by microplastics. A survey conducted by the Environmental Systems Research Institute at the University of Osnabrück, Germany, points out that this type of material has the ability to absorb toxic products found in the oceans such as pesticides, heavy metals and other types of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). which makes the damage to the health of biodiversity much greater.

Plankton and small animals feed on contaminated plastic and, when eaten by larger fish, spread poisoning. At the end of the chain, when humans feed on these larger fish, they are also ingesting the plastic and pollutants that have accumulated along the chain. Among the problems related to poisoning by POPs are different types of hormonal, immunological, neurological and reproductive disorders. Likewise, plastics can contain bisphenols, which are known to be very harmful to human and environmental health. Understand more about them in the article: "Know the types of bisphenol and their risks".

Even without definitive studies on the subject, scientists who participated in the First International Research Workshop on the Occurrence, Effects and Fate of Microplastic Marine Debris, conducted at the University of Washington in 2008, concluded that the impacts of microplastics on nature are highly harmful. Among them are the blockage of the digestive tract of small animals and the intoxication by products present in plastic. Ultimately, this could lead to an imbalance in the region's food chain.

How to collaborate with the reduction of contamination

Even though there is a lot of research to be done, the importance of debate and raising awareness on this subject is already evident. And you can already start collaborating with the cause.

Use less, reuse and recycle products made from plastic. Contribute to the growth of selective collection and put pressure on the authorities in your region. Be aware that your actions contribute to the destiny of our species and those that cohabit the planet with us.

Visit our Recycle Everything section to learn how to get started and find out about the recycling points for each type of material!

Watch the video and learn more about it (in English).



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