Microplastics
- 1. www.sciencebuzz.org By Niachu Environmental Science
- 2. Straightforward – they are tiny plastic particles Some marine researchers define them as being anywhere from smaller than 1mm to 5mm – They are too small to be filtered There are two types of microplastics – “primary” and “secondary” Primary starts out small, secondary break down into smaller bits
- 3. They will accumulate in the water (accounting for 10% of litter on beaches) and reside there for a long time Fish mistake them for plankton – leading them to die of undernourishment or constipation Many other animals on the marine food chain ingest them as well
- 4. Half of plastic in the marine environment is buoyant but other plastics can sink to the sea floor, affecting sediment dwelling species Plastic debris serves to transport different organisms outside of their natural habitats Exacerbates the problem of invasive species and loss of biodiversity
- 5. When plastic is exposed to UV rays in water, it releases harmful chemical compounds not found in nature BPA – A common component of food containers, has negative affects on both fetal development and adult hormone levels Carcinogen – An agent directly involved in causing cancer
- 6. POPs (Persistent organic pollutants)-organic compounds resistant to environmental degradation – they are pollutants that don’t deteriorate, and they then biomagnify and bioaccumulate – (mercury build up in big fish by eating smaller fish and the subsequent effect on humans) Harmful chemicals may also attach to the plastics in the water Chemicals can leach into the organisms that ingest the plastics
- 7. What are some significant sources of these plastics?
- 9. They are found in toothpastes, body washes, shampoos, etc. known as “Micro Beads” “Primary Microplastics” in toothpaste or bodywash eventually wash from the drain to a body of water “Secondary Microplastics” would be plastic bottles or containers…anything that can be broken down into smaller bits
- 11. Help get plastics out of your toothpaste! Don’t buy anything with “Micro Beads” in them, and encourage others not to either Recycle, Recycle, Recycle and REUSE your plastics Don’t microwave with plastics Use less plastics – Find alternatives to plastic bags
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