Microplastics

Microplastics are small plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters that cause environmental pollution.

Microplastic particles are plastic materials that result from the breakdown of larger plastic waste or from intentionally manufactured microcomponents. They are typically smaller than 5 millimeters and represent a widespread environmental pollutant, having been detected in oceans, freshwater, soils, the air, and in living organisms, including humans.

There is a distinction between primary microplastics, which are intentionally produced in small sizes, such as microbeads in cosmetic products or industrial wear, and secondary microplastics, which arise from the degradation of larger plastic items, for example, through mechanical wear or UV radiation. Common sources include synthetic textiles, tire wear, and the breakdown of packaging materials.

Microplastic particles consist of a variety of polymers and may contain chemical additives that amplify their environmental and health risks. Their physical properties, including shape and surface structure, influence how they are distributed in the environment and how they are taken up by organisms.

The presence of microplastics in marine and terrestrial ecosystems has far-reaching ecological consequences that can threaten food webs and human health. Their persistence in the environment is significant, with complete degradation potentially taking hundreds of years. Furthermore, there are research challenges regarding the long-term ecological and health effects. Regulatory measures and innovative technological solutions are essential to combat microplastic pollution and reduce their formation and entry into the environment.