1. Fragments: large plastic items from waste and litter break down into smaller substances / broken down by UV, erosion, or chemical substances (common secondary source)

2. Fibres: one of most prevalent pollutants / can contaminate water through washing clothes / 40% of microfibres are not filtered out at wastewater treatment plants

1. • Fleece clothing, diapers, and cigarette butts are common sources

   • Cotton and wool are biodegradable, however, and safer forms of clothing for the environment

3. Pellets/Nurdles: used for manufactured goods (i.e, lids & containers)

1. • These are primary sources of microplastics.

4. Microbeads: less than 1mm, non-biodegradable / commonly found in exfoliators (one face wash can contain 350,000 microbeads), cosmetic products, and toothpaste / often runoff into nearby freshwater & saltwater systems

1. • Former President Obama signed the Microbead-Free Water act into law in 2015, which banned the manufacture and sale of face wash, shampoo, and toothpaste containing microbeads. This went into effect on July 1, 2017.

   • Canada took similar actions, and banned microbeads in cosmetic products, considering them as toxic substances, to protect our oceans/water systems and marine life.

5. Styrofoam: polystyrene foam, commonly used for insulation and slow heat transmission / hard to recycle / can possibly leach styrene into foods and beverages (may lead to cancer or negative health effects if ingested)

1. • In 1986, the EPA found styrene residues in 100% of the human fat tissues sampled.

   • They can take up 30% of landfills, and last for over 500 years.