Microplastics: Small Fragments, Big Problem
Microplastics are plastic pieces smaller than 5 mm. They are everywhere β in oceans, soil, and even the air we breathe.
Microplastics form when larger plastic items break down through sunlight, friction, and wave action, and they are also made on purpose for some cosmetics and industrial uses. Because they are tiny, they pass through most wastewater screens and end up in rivers and seas.
Why They Matter
- They are eaten by fish, shellfish, and plankton, entering the food chain.
- They can carry toxic additives and adsorbed pollutants.
- They are hard to remove once dispersed in the environment.
Main Sources
The biggest sources are poorly managed plastic waste, tyre wear, synthetic textiles washed in machines, and broken fishing gear. Keeping plastic in the recycling loop β and out of open dumps and waterways β is the most direct way to cut the flow at the source.
What You Can Do
Avoid single-use plastic, choose natural-fibre clothing, and never litter. Most importantly, sort your plastics correctly so they are recovered and reprocessed instead of escaping into nature.
Related Reading
See plastic recycling limits, reduce, reuse, recycle, and the circular economy.
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