Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than five millimeters in length. They come from a variety of sources such as plastic bags, bottles, clothing, and fishing nets. Microplastics can be inhaled, swallowed, and even absorbed through the skin, posing a risk to , aquatic animals, and the environment.

But how do form? There are several ways that these tiny plastic particles are generated:

1. Fragmentation: When larger plastic items such as bags, bottles, and fishing nets are exposed to sunlight, heat, and waves, they break down into smaller pieces over time. This process is called photodegradation. The resulting fragments are microplastics. Fragmentation also occurs when plastic items are shredded or ground up for recycling.

2. Abrasion: Microplastics can also be produced by the wearing down of larger plastic items through mechanical abrasion. For example, the washing of synthetic clothing, such as polyester and nylon, can release microfibers into the water.

3. Additives: Certain additives that are added to plastic products can degrade into microplastics when exposed to environmental factors such as sunlight and heat. For example, plasticizers that are added to make plastic more flexible can degrade into microplastics.

4. Microbeads: Microbeads are small plastic spheres that are added to personal care products such as facial scrubs and toothpaste. These tiny beads wash down the drain and are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants. They eventually end up in oceans, rivers, and lakes.

5. Ghost fishing nets: Abandoned or discarded fishing nets, also known as ghost fishing nets, can continue to trap and kill marine animals for decades. Over time, the nets break down into smaller pieces, forming microplastics.

The formation of microplastics is a serious because they can accumulate in the food chain. Fish and other marine animals mistake microplastics for food, and the plastic particles can be ingested by humans who consume seafood. In fact, a recent study found that people who consume seafood ingest up to 11,000 microplastic particles a year.

Microplastics also pose a threat to human health. They can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, and even through the skin. The long-term effects of microplastic exposure are not yet fully understood, but studies have shown that microplastics can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and damage to DNA.

In conclusion, microplastics are a growing problem for the environment and human health. They form through various processes such as fragmentation, abrasion, additives, microbeads, and ghost fishing nets. It is crucial that we take action to reduce our plastic consumption and properly dispose of plastic waste to prevent further production of microplastics. By doing so, we can prevent further harm to our environment and our health.

Quest'articolo è stato scritto a titolo esclusivamente informativo e di divulgazione. Per esso non è possibile garantire che sia esente da errori o inesattezze, per cui l’amministratore di questo Sito non assume alcuna responsabilità come indicato nelle note legali pubblicate in Termini e Condizioni
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