Microplastics

We explain what microplastics are, where they are found, their causes and consequences. Also, what are the possible solutions.

What are microplastics?

Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic coming from different origins. Since they measure less than 5 millimeters, they are stored in the environment and constitute a major source of pollution currently. Its presence has been detected in animals, foods and even the human intestine.

Since 1950, when plastic production began on a mass scale, 8.3 billion metric tons of this material have been manufactured (that is, the equivalent of 1 billion elephants or 80 million blue whales). Of them only 9% is recycled. The rest goes into the environment, where it begins a very long decomposition process, since it does not biodegrade.

However, it does disintegrate due to the action of climatic and biological agents. So, Plastics release small fragments that different life forms mistake for food storing it in their organisms that cannot digest them, and thus incorporating it into their respective food chains.

The effects of microplastics on the organism of living beings are being studied. What is known is that this type of particles foreign to the usual organic matter of its tissues can neither be digested nor assimilated, but rather expelled through natural means in the best of cases. It is increasingly common to find animals dead due to poisoning with plastics of different sizes.

In fact, the presence of microplastics has been verified in places as diverse as arctic snow, sea water, the lower part of the atmosphere, the inside of commercial water bottles of different brands, the intestines of fish or even in the fecal matter of human beings.

The WHO, in charge of these studies, has warned about the urgency of stopping the production of plastics and giving them a more rational use of the existing ones, as well as promoting the culture of recycling and responsible consumption.

See also: Environmental problems

Causes of microplastics

Microplastic pollution It has its origin in human manufacture since plastic in its various forms does not exist in nature. In this way, it is possible to classify microplastics depending on their specific origin, into:

• Primary microplastics (between 15 and 31% of the total) Those manufactured by man for small applications, and which are then discarded or lost and end up in the environment. These are small parts, plugs, coatings, etc.
• Secondary microplastics (between 69 and 81% of the total) Those that come from the physical decomposition of larger plastic objects, such as containers, plastic bags, etc., which due to erosion and wear were crushed into tiny fragments, although equally imperishable.

Consequences of microplastics

For now, the consequences of microplastic pollution are unknown beyond its abundant presence in the most diverse environments and the quantities of animals found with this material lodged in their stomachs.

Death from plastic poisoning seems like a remote possibility in human beings, for now, but it is impossible to determine what the increase in these particles could produce in our bodies: obstructions, unexpected biochemical reactions, abscesses, poisoning, etc.

Solutions to microplastics

There are no quick and immediate solutions to this problem, but there are a series of measures that can be put into practice to address it, such as:

• Reduction of plastic production In recent years, new resolutions regarding the use of plastic have led to the tightening of laws that prohibit the use of plastic bags, limit the import or production of containers made of said material, or propose their replacement with biodegradable materials. There is a global need for an agreement to reduce the production of this material.
• Promotion of recycling and reuse Along with reducing its use, plastic recycling and reuse are part of the urgent measures to be taken to limit the amount of plastic consumed. The containers can be reused, the lids too, the bags too, and what can't, can be recycled in other ways.
• Ban on single-use plastics Disposable items such as packaging, bags, microspheres, cutlery, glasses, straws, cotton swabs, etc. They must eventually be replaced by materials that harm the environment less. Countries such as Costa Rica, Kenya, Rwanda, the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and the United States are already hardening their positions regarding the import and manufacture of this type of products.

Continue with: The three Rs

References

• “Microplastic” on Wikipedia.
• “Microplastics: the WHO report that says they pose a 'minimal risk to health'” on BBC Mundo.
• “What are microplastics and how do they contaminate?” VERY Interesting.
• “How do microplastics affect us?” at Iberdrola.
• “Microplastics: causes, effects and solutions” in European Parliament News.
• “Microplastic” in The Encyclopaedia Britannica.