Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5 mm in size. Microplastics are difficult to completely degrade in the natural environment. They persist and accumulate for a long time. These tiny particles have become an important part of global environmental pollution. The ubiquitous microplastics pose a potential threat to ecosystems and human health. Nowadays, how to effectively control the formation of microplastics has become a global problem.
Primary microplastics are small, directly produced plastic particles designed for use in specific industrial and consumer products. They are usually disposable and discharged directly into the environment after use. Their main sources include:
Secondary microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are formed by the decomposition of larger plastic items in the environment. This decomposition process is mainly achieved through natural decomposition and the wear of plastic products:
Microplastics have left their footprints in the ocean, land, and air. This global distribution shows that microplastics have become a serious problem.
The ocean is one of the most common habitats for microplastics. Microplastics have been widely detected in the world’s oceans due to the large amount of plastic waste entering the ocean. These microplastics may come from multiple sources. It includes waste discharge from coastal cities, pollution in rivers, floating garbage islands in the ocean, and accidental leaks during ship transportation.
Microplastics have also been found in the land environment, especially in urban and agricultural areas. After the weathering and physical decomposition of discarded plastic waste, microplastics particles are dispersed into the surrounding environment by wind. In addition, plastic films, fertilizers, and agricultural films used in agricultural activities may also release microplastics in the soil.
Recent studies have shown that microplastics can even be detected in the atmosphere. These microplastics may be caused by factors such as wear and tear of plastic products and urban pollution. The incineration of plastic waste is especially serious. Once in the atmosphere, microplastic particles can be spread to other areas by wind, even as far as remote areas and high mountain areas.
After animals ingest microplastics, microplastics may accumulate in their bodies, leading to blockage of the digestive tract and incorrect feeding signals. In addition, microplastics may also affect the reproductive function of animals, leading to an increased incidence of developmental deformities, which in turn affects the reproduction of populations and the stability of the entire ecosystem.
After microplastics affect the roots of plants, they reduce the plants’ ability to absorb water and nutrients. Thereby, it affects plants’ growth and development. In addition, microplastics may contain toxic substances, such as organic pollutants and heavy metals, which enter the plant body with microplastics and accumulate in plant tissues. In turn, this affects the ecosystem of the entire plant community.
Microbial communities form biofilms on the surface of microplastics. As a result, various pathogens spread through horizontal gene transfer. However, microplastics can move quickly through waterways. As a result, these pathogens can transfer very quickly from their place of origin to another place where they may not naturally exist. This may increase the risk of pathogens spreading in different regions.
Microplastics, which are ubiquitous and difficult to degrade in the environment, have profoundly affected the Earth’s ecosystem. Their widespread distribution in the ocean, on land, and even in the atmosphere highlights the urgency of solving this global problem. To create a green future, let us actively participate in the use of eco-friendly degradable materials and plastic recycling. If you want to know more about plastic recycling, welcome to contact us!