Microplastics

What are microplastics?

Microplastics, are pieces of plastic smaller than 5 mm. There are two types: Primary microplastics, that are directly produced in smaller sizes for use, in cosmetics for example, or as a part of other products; Secondary microplastics, that can be the result of the degradation of larger pieces of plastic, due mainly to the exposure of solar radiation and high temperatures.

Implications for human and environmental health

Due to their small size, microplastics are everywhere in the world which makes its complete removal almost impossible. Take a look at the video below to discover about the consequences microplastics may have on human and environmental health.

Because this information is very recent, there is a considerable scientific and societal concern about plastic pollution in the environment and demand to examine the extent of the problem. For this reason, to increase data collection, scientists turned to public involvement through citizen science.

Microplastics found

The most common type of microplastics found during this research were microplastic fibers, like the ones represented on the left.

For this research, the number of microsplastic found in each protocol were counted and the type, color and shape of the microplastic were noted.

In order to be 100% sure of what type, material and origin of the microplastic, samples must be sent for physical and chemical analysis.

References

Ambrose, K., Box, C., Boxall, J., Brooks, A., Eriksen, M., Fabres, J., . . . Walker, T. (2019). Spatial trends and drivers of marine debris accumulation on shorelines in South Eleuthera, The Bahamas using citizen science. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 145-154.

Hidalgo-Ruz, V., & Thiel, M. (2013). Distribution and abundance of small plastic debris on beaches in the SE Pacific (Chile): A study supported by a citizen science project. Marine Environmental Research, 12-18.

Masiá, P., Ardura, A., & Garcia-Vazquez, E. (2019). Microplastics in special protected areas for migratory birds in the Bay of Biscay. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 993-1001.

Nel, H., Smith, G., Harmer, R., Sykes, R., Schneidewind, U., Lynch, I., & Krause, S. (2020). Citizen science reveals microplastic hotspots within tidal estuaries and the remove Scilly Islands, United Kingdom. Marine Pollution Bulletin.

Ramnonnet, L., Vink, S., Land-Zandstra, A., & Nosker, T. (2019). Making citizen science count: Best practices and challenges of citizen science projects on plastic in aquatic environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 271-277.

For any further information contact me: ines.pereira@imbrsea.eu

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