Microplastics and the Harm They Cause
The problems of plastic have been well documented in recent years. Frivolous plastic consumption has led to a global crisis; our environment is being overrun by an abundance of imperishable plastic, including bottles, containers and bags. Tantamount to this, though not as widely reported, is the issue of microplastics. In this article, we’ll be discussing what microplastics are, their effect on the environment, and how we as a species can mitigate these problems to create a better future.
What are microplastics?
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic measuring less than 5mm. Due to their size, many of these microplastics are invisible to the naked eye.
There are two types of microplastics: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that have been intentionally created by manufacturers for use in products. Secondary microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that have inadvertently broken off from larger pieces of plastic.
Microplastics are so small that many of them pass through water filtration systems and end up in the oceans. Unable to break down, microplastics persist in the ocean until they are either ingested by aquatic life or find their way into drinking water where they are ingested by humans.
Where do microplastics come from?
Microbeads are the most prominent type of primary microplastic. Manufacturers would use microbeads as an exfoliant in personal care products, such as facial cleansers. A global ban of microbeads was introduced in 2018.
The vast majority of microplastics are secondary. Tyres and synthetic clothing are major culprits of secondary microplastic. Small fragments of plastic break off from moving tyres due to constant tread abrasion. Similarly, heavy bursts of water from washing machines break off plastic from synthetic clothing.
How much microplastic is in the ocean?
A common misconception is that all microplastics find their way into the ocean. In fact, up to 98% of microplastic is effectively removed by wastewater treatment plants. However, with the sheer amount of plastic being consumed daily, even just 2% of all microplastic is still extremely problematic. A 2016 study determined that wastewater treatment plants were still releasing 4 million microplastic particles per day.
In 2014, it was estimated that the ocean surface contained approximately 270,000 tonnes of plastic. Five years on, we can safely expect this number to have increased substantially.
What harm do microplastics cause?
There is a large amount of evidence to suggest that aquatic life is becoming sick or even dying as a direct result of microplastic pollution. Animals ingest microplastic but are unable to digest them properly. This leads to a build-up in their digestive tracts. Once an animal has died and its body has decayed, the ingested plastic will remain in the ocean, ready to be eaten once again by a different sea creature. UNESCO estimates that 100,000 marine mammals die because of plastic pollution each year.
Humans are also ingesting microplastics. A recent study found that microplastics were found in UK tap water, and they can also be consumed from eating fish that had previously ingested plastic. The effects of microplastic on the human body is currently unknown, as there have been no long-term studies. Some research suggests that microplastics don’t appear to pose a health risk to humans, whereas others suggest that the plastic may interfere with our hormones and disrupt our body’s communication systems.
What can we do about microplastics?
Our daily behaviours impact the amount of microplastic in our ocean. If each of us were to slightly alter our lifestyle, we could make a huge difference, saving thousands of animal lives.
- Avoid purchasing plastic where possible. Opt for non-plastic bags when shopping and non-plastic drinking straws.
- Choose clothes with natural fibres instead of synthetic fibres. For existing clothes with synthetic fibres, wash them in a guppy bag; this will catch microplastics and prevent them from washing down the drain.
- Walk, cycle or use public transport instead of drive. Fewer vehicles on the road will result in less tyre-caused microplastic.
- Remember the three Rs: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE.
Here at Envirocraft, we operate on a nationwide basis to provide fully accredited plastic recycling services to customers across the country. By using our waste solution services, you can rest easy knowing you’ve made a contribution to cleaning up our oceans. We provide solutions for all types of waste including household and business, with the eco-friendly goal of maximising recycling and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. To enquire about our services, contact our friendly team today.