Microplastics: A Small but Mighty Threat

Microplastics

Industrial mass production began and continued to expand at the beginning of the 1950s. Since that time, plastic production has increased, and microplastics have been distributed in the air, water, and soil, unbridled and uncontrolled.

Microplastics are, as the name suggests, microscopic. There are many ways plastics threaten our environment and health. It all starts from oceans, enters the food chain, and ends up affecting wildlife and ecosystems. Microplastics in soils, sediments, and freshwater may have long-term negative effects on our ecosystem. Their aggregation and degradation based on the type of plastic, in addition to various biological, climate, and human factors, contribute to their impact on the environment.

There are many different ways microplastics enter the environment, such as tire abrasion, textile fibers discharged during washing, and through sewage lines. Additives like plasticizers, PFAS, and other chemical compounds found in plastics can pose a future threat to organisms. Microplastics can harm human organisms in unexpected ways, exposing them to a toxic mixture that can cause physical harm and lead to serious health problems. Strategies to reduce microplastic pollution include recycling, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and raising awareness of the environmental impact of plastics.