Microplastics are plastic pieces less than 5 mm in diameter. The term differentiates smaller plastic particles from larger plastic waste, such as plastic bottles or bigger pieces of plastic. We classify them into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics include any plastic fragments that are already 5.0 mm in size or less before entering the environment. These include microfibers from clothing and other textiles, such as fishing nets and microbeads (=manufactured solid plastic particles less than 1 mm in their largest dimensions, used in exfoliating personal care, toothpaste, and health science research). Secondary microplastics are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, like water bottles, fishing nets, plastic bags, and many other things. The breakdown is caused by exposure to environmental factors, mainly the sun’s radiation and ocean waves.

When these small bits enter the environment, it is almost impossible to remove them from there, and they do not break into harmless molecules. Therefore, microplastics are exposed to a variety of harmful chemicals that can bind to them. By inference, they are often consumed by marine animals. When organisms come into contact with microplastics, it may lead to reduced feeding, poisoning, and increased mortality. Let's not forget about the fact that we are the last consumers in the food chain, which could potentially endanger our health as well.

Scientists have already detected microplastic pretty much everywhere, in the ocean, in the mountains, in the air, in drinking water, and even in our bodies. Even though action to stop pollution has been taken at the national level, we can do something ourselves. Think twice before using single-use plastic products; don't let small pieces of plastic go with the flow, recycle them as well; spread awareness of this issue; and you can also fund projects that are already fighting against this problem.

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