[INFORMATIVE] Microplastics: An invisible threat

Microplastics: An invisible threat

By: Jasraj Brar

The Rise of Microplastics
More than 350 million tonnes of plastic waste is produced every year, of which 0.5% percent of it ends up in the ocean (Our World in Data) making it a rising problem in the world. However, the major problem comes from their consequences. Microplastics vary in size from anywhere to 5 millimeters to 1 nanometer (U.S. EPA). Microplastics are found in everyday items, such as clothing, cosmetics, face washes, toothpaste and even sunscreen. There are two types of microplastics, primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are designed to be small for their usage, such as face washes or fine powder (Yale Sustainability). Most of the time they are washed down the drain and manage “to slip through water treatment plants” (Yale Sustainability). Since they can be smaller than 150 micrometers and come in various shapes, sizes and types, they can be particularly hard to remove. This allows them to pass through easily (RSC). Secondary microplastics emerge from large plastic materials as they break down. Processes like UV radiation (plastic bottles in the sun degrade over time), mechanical weathering (wind, wave, and abrasion), chemicals, microorganisms, and heat contribute to microplastic pollution (National Geographic). Microplastics are bad for the environment because they have negative effects on marine and freshwater systems, soil, human and health. However, it does have solutions.

Sources of Microplastics
Microfiber remains from clothing manufacturing and washing are a significant source. About 16 to 35 percent of microplastics in the ocean come from clothing, released the first few times the article is washed (EEA). Clothes containing microplastic fibers release an average of 700 thousand fibers from 6 kg of clothes after just one single wash (Issac, Springerlink).The vehicles we drive daily, or even bicycles release tire wear particles when used which is “responsible for an estimated 30 percent of all the microplastic particles in our oceans.” (CNN). Along with tires, the paint and materials on road markings are also a polluter. Microbeads found in products like face washes, body scrubs, and toothpaste contain large amounts of microplastic. A study from the Plastic Soap Foundation found that 87 percent of over seven thousand cosmetic products contained microplastics and another report from the Environmental Working Group found “almost 90 percent of cosmetic products from leading brands contain microplastics” (Microplasticfreefuture). Statistics like how 82 percent of lip products colorants and almost 96 percent of facial markup contain microplastics highlights their prominence and danger. These everyday items release significant amounts of microplastic (Yale Sustainability).

Impact on Marine Systems
Microplastics enter marine systems through pathways such as from runoff, improperly disposed waste and weathering, as mentioned earlier. It is estimated that there are between 15 and 51 trillion individual pieces of microplastic in the world’s oceans, weighing between 93,000 and 236,000 metric tons according to a 2015 study with the 5 Gyres Institute (National Geographic). These microplastics affect “the feeding, growth, spawning, and existence of organisms in the aquatics” (Issac, Springerlink). For example, oysters that were exposed to microplastics had their yield and growth of their offsprings reduced by a significant 41% and 18% (Issac, Springerlink). Along with this, over 700 different species of marine organisms -such as fish, mollusks, and crustaceans are known to consume plastics, which can cause suffocation, injuries and even death. Overall, this poses a significant challenge to organisms in the entire food chain, along with us, as people consume fish and other organisms.

Impact on Freshwater Systems
Like marine systems, microplastics also enter freshwater systems through runoff, especially near major urban centers and agricultural lands. More specifically, wastewater treatment plants, industrial activities such as mining, improper disposal landfills, and weathering can cause microplastics to enter freshwater systems. They can also be transferred through air, confirmed by scientists to travel kilometers from origin. Microplastics in freshwater systems are more severe when compared to marine systems. Microplastics are highly concentrated in fresh water and highly heterogeneous. Microplastics also take longer to dissolve in freshwater because the current is not fast moving. Microplastics severely damage aquatic life and reduce water quality, affecting drinking water. When microplastics are ingested by organisms such as fish and invertebrates, it can lead to reduced growth, altered development and decreased reproduction (Stovall and Bratton). To add, microplastics are able to absorb and carry harmful pollutants like metals, pesticides and persistent organic pollutants (Chowdhury et al.).

Impact on Soil
Microplastics can change soil properties, such as its texture, bulk, density, water aggregate stability, water holding capacity and finally water infiltration. Along with properties, when microplastics are found in soil, they can also change the soils chemical composition. When combined, these changes can lead to reduced fertility, reduced and altered plant growth (Sa’adu et al.). Microplastic also lead to problems in the habitats of soil organisms, such as earthworms, collembolans and microbial (Li, Luo et al.). For example, earthworms change their burrowing behavior when microplastics are near them, changing the nutrient cycle (Singh et al.). Furthermore, they also increase the amount of soil borne pathogens that could lead to negative effects. Studies have shown that they are the primary river in soils affecting water retention, aeration, and temperature regulation (Lamizana, UN). They also cause abiotic stresses on plants because they impact microorganisms that are important for organic decomposition. Finally, it can lead to decreased crop yields and poor plant health.

Impact on Human Health
Microplastics can enter the body when contaminated food or water is consumed, through inhaling airborne particles and skin contact such as personal skin care products after they are applied (Agilent). Negative effects on the human body include inflammation and oxidative stress as microplastics trigger responses in the body. It also leads to a weakened immune system as exposure can interfere with it. Studies also suggest a possible link between exposure to microplastics and cardiovascular diseases (Media Relations, Waterloo). Furthermore, other studies have also shown that chemicals that are leached from microplastics (such as phthalates) increase the risk of cancer and endocrine disruption (Lock et al, GlobalCitzen). Another study shows that microplastics lead to reproductive health issues, such as reduced fertility. The human body is not able to get rid of microplastics once they enter the body. Studies have found evidence of particles in the liver, lungs, and brain of animals that were exposed through skin contact (microplasticfreefuture).

Solutions
Solutions for microplastics include banning, or reducing the use of single use plastic. Improved waste management, such as new technologies like activated carbon, membrane bioreactors, and nanocoils, can detect microplastics and remove them before they reach marine systems, freshwater or the environment (Zafar, CBC). Stricter policies and regulatory measures can reduce microplastic pollution. For example, the EU has placed restrictions such as restricting intentionally added microplastics. Another treaty, or efforts like the UN global summit on plastic aims to create stronger policies to address microplastic pollution. Countries like the United States, Canada, France, New Zealand have already banned microbeads in rinse off cosmetics and as awareness increases more brands will remove microplastics from their items. However strict action is still needed to remove them from 90% of the other cosmetics and items. Consumers can check if an item contains microplastic sources such as polyethylene, polypropylene and PET, or labels that indicate that no microplastics were used. “Microplastic Free Future” states that some brands like Loli Beauty, Plaine products, and Bare & Beyond do not use microplastics, but instead have opted for alternatives that are biodegradable such as “cellulose, algae, and coconut replacing synthetic plastics.” Consumers can support legislation, sign petitions, leave product feedback and use social media to increase awareness of microplastic impacts.


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