Activity 3.3.3 - My Plastic Use.
Definition of Microplastics
Microplastics can be defined as “small particles or fragments of plastic debris ranging in size from microns to several millimeters in diameter (Haab 23). Plastics are one of the most “widely used materials in the world” (Haab 26). You can find plastics dating back to 1600 B.C., and they have undergone numerous innovations and alterations over time. Alongside the numerous alterations of plastic throughout the year, the “global production of plastics has increased steadily throughout history, reaching a staggering 265 million tons in 2010” (Haab 26). Because plastic is lightweight, cheap, and durable, it is widely used in many products, which is why we see a global increase in its use. Unfortunately, since plastic is cheap and can be made by the millions, it can only be used once, resulting in “generations of mass amounts of litter” (Haab 26).
Where Are They Found?
Microplastics have been
found almost everywhere on the planet. They exist in oceans, rivers, lakes,
soil, and even in the air we breathe. Ocean currents and wind patterns have
transported them across vast distances, and they have been discovered in remote
regions such as Arctic Sea ice and the deepest parts of the ocean floor. Surprisingly,
you can even find thousands of microplastics in the home you live in right now.
Microplastics can be as small as a grain of salt; you will be equally surprised
by how much we interact with them daily. In the article “Where are
microplastics found in your home?” written by Eliana Zachos, Zachos mentions
that “humans inhale 22,000,000 micro and nano plastics annually…. they are in
our food, water, and air” (Zachos, humans). You can easily be exposed to
microplastics by opening a plastic container, chopping veggies on a plastic
cutting board, and using plastic zip-lock bags to store extra food. Slicing on
a plastic cutting board “produces tens of millions of microplastics each year”
(Zachos, then).
How do They Get there?
There are several ways
that microplastics enter the environment. One of the most common sources is the
washing of synthetic fabrics. Every time synthetic clothing, such as polyester,
nylon, or acrylic, is washed, it sheds thousands of tiny fibers. These
microfibers enter wastewater systems and often pass through treatment plants,
as most facilities are not designed to filter small particles. In the textbook “The
environmental impacts of microplastics: An investigation of microplastic
pollution in North Country waterbodies,” written by Samantha Haab and Kimberaly
Haab, they have estimated that “800 trillion microbeads are washed down the drain
each day in the U.S., with 8 trillion microbeads passing directly into aquatic environments”
(Haab 46). As a result, they end up in rivers, lakes, and eventually the ocean.
Another major contributor is tiring wear. Car tires, made of synthetic rubber,
release microscopic particles whenever they contact road surfaces. Rainwater
then washes these particles into storm drains and waterways. Personal care
products that contain microbeads have also contributed significantly to
microplastic pollution, though many countries have now banned their use. In
addition, when larger plastic items such as bottles or packaging are discarded
and exposed to sunlight, wind, or waves, they gradually fragment into smaller
pieces that spread throughout the environment. Once released, microplastics are
nearly impossible to remove completely.
Why Are They Problematic to humans and the Environment?
The environmental impacts of microplastics are widespread and severe. In marine environments, many organisms, from tiny plankton to larger fish, mistake microplastics for food. When ingested, these particles can block digestive tracts, reduce feeding behavior, “harm to reproductive systems and stress the liver,” stated in the article “Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?” written by National Geographic, and cause malnutrition or even death. Microplastics can also absorb toxic chemicals from their surroundings, such as pesticides and heavy metals. As stated in the National Geographic article, “A 2021 analysis identified more than 10,000 unique chemicals used in plastics, of which more than 2,400 are of potential concern”. When marine animals consume these plastics, the toxins accumulate in their bodies over time, moving up the food chain through a process called biomagnification. This means that humans who consume seafood may also be exposed to these harmful substances. Beyond aquatic environments, the potential health impacts of microplastics on humans are just as dangerous. Because they are present in food, water, and air, people are regularly exposed to these tiny particles. Recent studies have even detected microplastics in human blood, which can lead to “damage to human cells, including both allergic reactions and cell death” (National Geographic, Measuring).. While the long-term effects are not yet fully understood, early evidence indicates that microplastics pose a real and growing threat to human health.
My Plastic in A Day
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