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[INFORMATIVE] The Unseen Menace: The Pervasive Threat of Microplastics and the Quest For Solutions

The Unseen Menace: The Pervasive Threat of Microplastics and the Quest For Solutions
By: Patricia Tan


Plastics are everywhere in our daily lives, from packaging to household items. But did you know these plastics can break down into tiny fragments called microplastics?

Microplastics are pieces of plastic that measure less than five millimeters across (Microplastics: What Are They and Why Are They a Problem, 2024). They come in two main types: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are small particles intentionally made for commercial use, like those found in cosmetics and fibers shed from clothing and fishing nets. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, form when larger plastic items, such as water bottles, break down into smaller pieces. (Microplastics, n.d.).

There are several key sources of microplastics. One prominent source is personal care products, such as makeup, which have been known to contain microbeads. Despite bans in several countries, microbeads continue to contribute to microplastic pollution (Sources of Microplastics and Their Distribution in the Environment, n.d.). Another source is vehicle tires, which are made of rubber mixed with synthetic materials and fibers. These materials break down through friction when tires are used, and the resulting fragments often end up in gutters (Simon, 2020). Additionally, synthetic fibers from textiles are a significant source of microplastics. Fast fashion, in particular, leads to high levels of microplastic release because these textiles are used briefly and wear out quickly. (European Environmental Agency, 2022).

While we know microplastics are widespread in oceans, they are challenging to detect. Unlike larger plastic debris that is visible to the naked eye, microplastics are dispersed by ocean currents and are harder to track (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, n.d.). Researchers are now investigating potential hotspots where microplastics may accumulate, such as the recent study on microplastic hotspots around the Scilly Islands in the United Kingdom (Nel et al., 2020). As this environmental issue continues to evolve, understanding the impact of microplastics remains important for us to address.

Effects of Microplastics on the Community
Microplastics are a widespread contaminant in marine ecosystems and are easily ingested by marine species. Zooplankton, for instance, suffer negative impacts on their biological processes due to microplastics. (Botterell et al., 2019). Fish are also affected; exposure to microplastics alone or combined with other pollutants can cause tissue damage, changes in immune-related gene expression, and behavior abnormalities, potentially affecting humans as well. (Bhuyan, 2022). In humans, microplastics have been found in arterial plaques, with higher risks of myocardial infarction, stroke, or death associated with their presence. (Mammoser, 2024; Marfella et al., 2024).

Microplastics with adsorbed pollutants pose a significant risk to marine organisms, particularly when ingested and entering the food chain (Andrady, 2017). At lower trophic levels, microplastics have been found in zooplankton, chaetognatha, ichthyoplankton, copepods, and salps (Cverenkárová et al., 2021). Higher trophic-level organisms, including big fish and terrestrial predators, also ingest microplastics by consuming lower-level organisms (Raj, 2022). Humans, too, are at risk as microplastics have been detected in food and air, potentially affecting health through consumption or inhalation. (Lee et al., 2023). However, a specific study suggests that if microplastics pass through without being retained in tissues, humans are less likely to ingest significant amounts through a carnivorous diet (Walkinshaw et al., 2020).

The feeding behavior of animals allows microplastic uptake from multiple environmental routes, increasing their burden within the food web (D’Avignon et al., 2023). This accumulation can lead to the contamination of food items, including crops, seafood, and meat (Eze et al., 2024). Microplastics also affect microbial communities in aquatic sediments, altering species composition and nitrogen cycling activity, and exacerbating ecological consequences (Seeley et al., 2020). The instability in ecosystems may lead to more severe consequences, underscoring the importance of addressing its impact.

Mitigation Strategies and Future Directions
Efforts are underway to mitigate the impact of microplastics in our communities. One example is the Microbead-Free Water Act of 2015 in the United States, which prohibits the manufacture, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads. Although there was no concrete evidence at the time that plastic microbeads posed a human health concern, this federal law applies to different states and helps manage the impact of microplastics (U.S Food and Drug Administration, 2022). Another example is South Korea's 2018 ban on microbeads. As one of the top countries with the most makeup users, this decision was praised by advocates for preventing billions of microbeads from ending up in the ocean every year (식품의약품안전처, 2018).

Organizations like Fauna & Flora have supported the United Kingdom in banning microbeads in products. They created a guide for policymakers to help with the ban's implementation in 2018. This guide included information on how microplastics affect the environment, measures to consider, and steps for drafting and implementing the proposal (Skellorn, 2018). Another organization, Beat the Microbead, started campaigning in 2012 against microbeads in everyday products. They believe some of these microplastic components may be toxic to human health and aquatic life, while others lack sufficient information (Beat the Microbead, 2023).

If we stop using microplastics or microbeads, what alternatives do we have? There are biodegradable options to consider. Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics. This engineered silk has potential applications in agriculture, food, medicine, and pharmaceuticals (Liu et al., 2022). Another study focuses on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), specifically polyhydroxy butyrate (PHBs), as a potential alternative to address microplastic pollution. However, the high cost and economic feasibility are challenges (Acharjee et al., 2022). Cleaning up microplastics is difficult and requires significant effort and resources. Many clean-up efforts struggle to remove microplastics entirely, as they can also be chemically altered (Arienzo, 2022). However, innovative projects like Alfa Laval's membrane bioreactor (MBR) in Denmark show promise. MBRs can filter water down to 0.2 micrometers, though they are costly and energy-intensive (Orange, 2023).

Microplastics remain a significant challenge, with much more to learn and address. However, we can make a difference by advocating for the ban of microplastics, including microbeads. It's up to us to raise awareness within our communities and take action. If we don't speak out for ourselves, who will? Start raising awareness now, and let's take a step forward in tackling plastic pollution.

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