Microplastics

Microplastics

..this may not be a new term, but we forgot the impact it creates

These tiny plastic particles typically less than five millimeters in size, are pervasive pollutants that have infiltrated nearly every corner of our planet. These diminutive fragments originate from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic debris, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothing. Despite their minuscule size, microplastics pose a significant threat to environmental health and biodiversity. They are easily transported by wind and water currents, leading to widespread contamination in oceans, rivers, soil, and even the air we breathe.

Synthetic fibers

Synthetic fibers, such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic, have become integral to modern fashion and textile industries due to their durability, affordability, and versatility. However, these benefits come with significant environmental costs, one of the most pressing being microplastic pollution. When synthetic fabrics are washed, tiny plastic fibers, known as microfibers, are shed and enter wastewater systems. Traditional water treatment plants are not fully equipped to filter out these microscopic particles, leading to their release into rivers, lakes, and ultimately, oceans.

Microfibers are the most common type of microplastic and account for upto 91 of the microplastics that float around our seas. The impact of microplastics on marine ecosystems is particularly alarming. Marine organisms, from the smallest plankton to the largest whales, ingest microplastics either directly or indirectly through the food chain. This ingestion can lead to physical harm, such as blockages in digestive systems, and chemical harm, as microplastics can absorb and concentrate toxic pollutants from the surrounding environment. These toxins can then bioaccumulate, leading to increased concentrations as they move up the food chain, ultimately affecting human health when seafood is consumed.

Impacts of fast fashion in ocean bodies

The journey of microplastics from land to foetus:

Microplastics usually start their journey on land, but eventually are carried by rivers and wind to the world’s oceans. They can come from cosmetics, city dust, road markings, and engineered plastic pellets. But the bulk of the primary microplastics in the world’s oceans are from the laundry of textiles (35 per cent) and the abrasion of tires while driving (28 per cent), according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

Microplastics are ingested by a wide range of marine organisms, from plankton to larger marine mammals, often with fatal consequences. When these particles are consumed, they can cause physical blockages in the digestive tracts of these animals or leach harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which can disrupt hormonal systems.

Moreover, microplastics have the potential to accumulate up the food chain, ultimately impacting human health as well. People who consume seafood may inadvertently ingest these plastics, leading to potential exposure to the toxic substances they release.

Beyond their direct impact on marine life and human health, microplastics also contribute to the alteration of aquatic habitats. They can affect the clarity and chemical composition of water, which in turn impacts photosynthesis rates and oxygen levels. This can lead to broader ecological imbalances, threatening the biodiversity of aquatic ecosystems. 

Every year, over a million tons of microplastics end up in oceans. Our washing machines are a major source of this plastic pollution. Researchers found that an average 6 kg load of laundry releases more than 700,000 microscopic plastic fibers into wastewater. These plastic fibers come from synthetic (= plastic) textiles like polyester. Synthetic textiles have become a staple in our wardrobes: today, over 60% of textiles are synthetic. This, too, has opened the door for microplastic to pollute every corner of the Earth.

Microplastics have now been found everywhere: at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, on remote alpine peaks, and in our food and drinking water. Due to their small sizes they are highly mobile and easily ingested by many organisms. They also have the ability to bind chemical pollutants. Studies show they cause poisoning, infertility, and genetic disruption. It is known that microplastics can enter human body through the nose or mouth and small enough particles can end up in our lung tissues.

So, What can we do?

The impact of microplastics on water bodies is a growing environmental concern that demands urgent attention. People can limit their exposure to microplastics by eating less processed and packaged food. Using plastic-free products and avoiding synthetic clothing and switching over to eco friendly sustainable fabrics could eliminate significant exposure of microplastics in ocean. One serious impact that we could make for a better planet is reducing textile waste and plastic pollution. Fast fashion produces more clothes at cheaper price in an unethical way. Being cost effective people buy more clothing than needed. In a span of few years trends change or outfits wear off faster than expected. So now, dumping into the landfill and water bodies. Make a better choice of clothing which last longer and suits you better at all times whether trends come in or move out.

 

The planet we live in is borrowed from our future generation. Let's save it with minor steps.