Microplastics

Microplastics

Context: Scientists have recently engineered a plant-based polymer that can biodegrade at the microplastic level.

About Microplastics: 
• Microplastics are small plastic particles that result from the production of commercial goods and the breakdown of larger plastic items.
• They are officially defined as plastics with a diameter less than five millimeters (0.2 inches) to distinguish them from larger plastic items 
known as macroplastics (e.g., bottles and bags).
• Microplastics are found in various products such as cosmetics, synthetic clothing, plastic bags, and bottles, many of which enter the environment as waste.
• They are composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together in polymer chains and often contain other chemicals like phthalates, PBDEs, and TBBPA.
• There are two types of microplastics:
o Primary microplastics: These are tiny particles intentionally manufactured for commercial purposes (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics) and microfibers shed from textiles like clothing and fishing nets.
o Secondary microplastics: These are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items due to environmental factors like sunlight and ocean waves.
• Environmental impacts of microplastics include:
o Persistence in the environment as they do not readily break down into harmless molecules.
o Accumulation in marine environments, where they can absorb and transport harmful chemicals before being ingested by marine organisms.
o Challenges in removing microplastics from water through standard treatment methods.
o Contribution to air pollution as microplastics can be present in dust and airborne fibrous particles.