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Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, defined as less than 5 millimetres in size, that are found throughout the environment. They originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items like bottles and bags, the shedding of microbeads from personal care products such as exfoliating scrubs and toothpaste, and the release of synthetic fibres from clothing during washing. Devastatingly, microplastics have been found in every corner of the planet- from beaches, oceans, snow, food, the air we breathe and even the human placenta!
One third of all plastic waste ends up in soils or freshwater where it then degrades into microplastics. Researchers are increasingly concerned about the lasting impact of this process on ecosystems. For instance, microplastic pollution has already been linked to declines in essential soil-dwelling creatures like mites and larvae, which are vital for maintaining soil fertility. This decline doesn’t just affect these creatures; it sets off a chain reaction, impacting other animals in the ecosystem and disrupting the food chain, potentially affecting crop growth and overall biodiversity.
Furthermore, chlorinated plastic releases chemicals into the soil, which can seep into groundwater or other water sources, ultimately affecting the wildlife that relies on these water sources for sustenance. Microplastics have also been found from the sea surface to the seafloor, with river runoff being the major source.
Marine animals face exposure to microplastics through multiple pathways, including inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact, often resulting in accumulation within their gastrointestinal tracts. Once inside biological systems, these plastics undergo physical and chemical transformations, acquiring new properties. Chemical additives like BPA and phthalates, commonly found in plastics, are known to have hormonal effects and may disrupt the endocrine systems of marine animals. Additionally, nanoparticles present in microplastics can induce oxidative stress, alter gene expression, and provoke immune responses, among other effects. Given the commercial value of many marine animals, there is an increased risk of human consumption of microplastics through seafood.
Likewise, microplastics can also find their way into the human body primarily through inhalation or ingestion. This can occur through exposure to plastic containers, bottles, or even the beverages themselves, as microplastics have been detected in bottled water and beer. Alarmingly, it’s estimated that the average adult ingests around 2000 microplastics per year through salt consumption.
Unfortunately, studies on the effects of microplastics on humans are limited and are only just beginning to be documented. Similar to effects on marine life, exposure to microplastics in humans has also been linked to oxidative stress and cytotoxicity which in turn may induce DNA damage and potentially contribute to cancer development.
One study revealed the presence of 15 different types of microplastics in human faeces, with higher concentrations observed in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease compared to healthy individuals. Notably, the severity of the disease correlated with the level of faecal microplastics. Another study reported links between microplastic levels in blood vessels and the incidence of cardiovascular disease.
It is important to note that these investigations do not establish a direct, causal link between microplastics and human disease however they emphasise the need to continue further research on this topic. Importantly, mechanistic studies into how these microplastics may lead to damage including potential systemic effects on the immune system or direct cytotoxic effects.
There have been efforts to mitigate microplastic pollution in recent years, for instance, in 2018 the UK implemented a ban on all products containing microbeads. More recently, the UK government introduced legislation to ban wet wipes containing plastic. In October 2023, the European Union took action by restricting the intentional addition of microplastics to products. Additionally, they also set a target to reduce microplastic pollution by 30% by 2030, demonstrating a commitment to fighting this global environmental challenge.
So, what can we as individuals do to combat microplastic pollution? It’s as simple as reducing our plastic consumption by choosing reusable and biodegradable alternatives whenever possible. Properly disposing of and recycling plastic waste is also crucial to prevent it from entering the environment. Moreover, there are numerous initiatives dedicated to tackling plastic pollution, ranging from beach cleanups to grassroots efforts promoting sustainable practices in local communities and schools. By raising awareness about the issue among peers and the broader public, we can collectively work towards reducing our reliance on microplastics. Below, you’ll find links to additional resources that provide further information on what microplastics are and offer practical tips on how we can minimize our use of microplastics alongside a YouTube video delving deeper into the subject.
https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/what-are-microplastics.html
https://www.ecowatch.com/avoid-microplastics-at-home-2655282616.html
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