Microplastics
Where microplastics come from
• fibres from some
during washing
• the breakdown of large pieces of plastic
• waste from industry
• the action of vehicle tyres on roads
Effects of microplastics
• They cause injuries to the
of wildlife and affect their digestive systems.
• They enter the food chain, e.g., in bottled and tap water,
and seafood.
• They may not affect human health, but they are already banned in skin cleaning products and
in some countries.
• Microplastics enter the soil through the air, rain and
.
Microplastics in the soil – a study by Anglia Ruskin University
• Earthworms are important because they add
to the soil.
• The study aimed to find whether microplastics in earthworms affect the
of plants.
• The study found that microplastics caused:
–
loss in earthworms
– fewer seeds to germinate
– a rise in the level of
in the soil.
The study concluded:
– soil should be seen as an important natural process.
– changes to soil damage both ecosystems and
.