Micro-plastic pollution in a rapidly changing world

Micro-plastics, small plastic pieces, less than 5 mm (0.2 inch) long, that occur in the environment due to plastic contamination. Micro-plastics are present in a wide range of products, from cosmetics to synthetic clothing to plastic bags and bottles. Many of these products easily incorporate environmental waste. We will discuss few important aspects of micro plastic pollution below.    

Properties
Micro-plastics consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms bound together by polymer chains. Other chemicals, such as phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), are commonly present in micro-plastics, and many of these chemical additives leak into the plastic after entering the environment.

Primary and Secondary Micro-plastics
Micro-plastics are divided into two types: primary and secondary. Examples of primary micro-plastics include micro beads found in personal care products, plastic pellets (or nurdles) used in industrial production, and plastic cords used in synthetic fabrics (e.g., nylon). Primary micro-plastics enter the environment directly through any of the various channels – for example, product use (e.g. personal care products are washed by domestic wastewater systems), unintended losses from spills during production or transportation, or abrasions during washing (e.g. textile fabrics). Synthetic). The second form of micro-plastics from the collapse of large plastics; this is especially true when large plastics are exposed to the elements, by exposure, for example, to the action of waves, abrasions, and ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Environmental and Health Impacts
Micro-plastics are not chemically isolated. Therefore, once they are in nature, the primary and secondary micro-plastics accumulate and persist. Micro-plastics have been found in a variety of places, including oceans and freshwater environments. In the oceans alone, the annual pollution of plastics, from all types of plastics, is estimated at four to 14 million tons at the beginning of the 21st century. Micro-plastics are also a source of air pollution, which occurs in dust and particles with airborne particles. The health effects of inhalation for micro-plastics are unknown.

By 2022, in both marine and freshwater habitats combined, micro-plastics were found in more than 114 species of water. Micro-plastics have been found embedded in digestive tract and in the tissues of various invertebrates, including crustaceans such as crabs. Fish and birds may incorporate micro-plastics floating in the water, interfering with the pieces of plastic as food. The introduction of micro-plastics can cause aquatic species to eat less food and therefore have less energy to perform life functions, and can lead to nerve toxicity and reproduction. Micro-plastics are alleged to have worked its way up the chain of marine food chains, from zooplankton and small fish to large marine animals.

Micro-plastics have been found in drinking water, beer, and food products, including seafood and table salt. In a pilot study involving eight people from eight different countries, micro-plastics were obtained from the chair samples of all participants. Scientists have also discovered micro-plastics in body tissues and human organs. The effects of these findings on human life were uncertain.

Reducing Micro-plastics Contamination
Between 1950 and 2015, 6,300 million tons of plastic waste was produced. Most of this waste, about 4,900 million tons, ends up in landfills and ecosystems. On the basis of trends since then, researchers estimate that by 2050 the amount of plastic waste in landfills and the environment will reach 12,000 million tons. However, the potential dangers of the increase in plastic pollution, especially pollution from micro-plastics, remain largely ignored by governments and policymakers.

To help overcome this barrier, organizations such as the United Nations Expert Panel of the United Nations Environmental Program have involved more than 100 countries in educational campaigns aimed at raising awareness of plastic pollution and promoting the recycling of plastic. Other international cooperation programs were established to address marine pollution, including microscopic pollution. In 2015 the United States passed the Micro bead-Free Waters Act, which prohibits the manufacture and distribution of cosmetic cleaning products containing plastic micro beads. Many other countries have also imposed restrictions on micro beads.

Repairing micro-plastics already in nature is another important factor in reducing micro-plastics pollution. Investigative techniques include the use of microorganisms that are able to break down micro-plastic polymers. Many species of bacteria and fungi have biodegradation capabilities, breaking down chemicals such as polystyrene, polyester polyurethane and polyethylene. Such microorganisms can be used in sewage and other polluted areas.