What Are Microplastics? Two Types of Microplastics Impacts Of

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Derived from Microplastics Report by B. Stevens What are Microplastics? Microplastics are plastic synthetics made from fossil fuels or biomass that are less than 5 mm in diameter. Photo by MPCA Photos by Photo • Microplastics have been found in every ocean with the highest concentrations found in the deep-sea Two Types of Microplastics • Plastic-based litter has since become the Primary sources: those which have been intentionally most abundant form of solid-waste pollution created and voluntarily added, a byproduct of some • About 1 million tons of microplastics are process, or through unintentional release released annually into the waterways • Microbeads for scrubbing in personal care • The average consumer discards around 2.4 products, cleaning products, etc. mg of microplastics per day • Normal wear and tear of synthetic items such as clothing, plastic-based paint, car tires, etc. • Unintentional release during transport Impacts of Microplastics Secondary sources: arise when larger pieces of plastic, Marine Species Health or ‘parent’ plastics, break apart and fragment • Many species cannot filter out the • Any plastic item in a waterway can be microplastics once ingested, eventually fragmented through environmental factors such causing them to starve as animal digestion, waves, etc. Water Quality • Many biodegradable plastics will break into • The small size allows more chemicals/heavy microplastics instead of disappearing completely metals to attach and transfer to different bodies of water or organisms Human Health • Humans are exposed through fish consumption, drinking water and even in the air • Both the microplastics and the chemicals attached pose potential risks What can you do? Educate • Visit nccoast.org/marinedebris • Visit oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts Advocate • Let businesses and politicians know you want to keep plastic out of the waters • Get behind laws being passed or campaigns going on to show your support Alternatives • Cut single-use plastics out of your daily routine by using reusable containers and shopping bags, stainless steel drink containers, metal straws, etc. from Your Water Removing Microplastics from Your Laundry Removing Microplastics expensive Reverse OsmosisFilters: best, more Granular Activated Carbon:price varies Carbon BlockFilters: cheaperoption Faucet Filters: cheaperoption Filtrol 160:more expensive option Lint LUV-R Filter: more expensive option Washing MachineFilters: pricevaries option Washing MachineAccessories:cheaper • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Did you know? whole-house filters these are usuallydesignedto be Can alsofilter outGenXpollutants; under asink Can eitherbefor thewholehouseor Installed aspairs tappwater.co/us/faucet-water-filter/ replaceable filters Attach to asink faucet anduse then allfaucets are covered the sinkoraswhole-housefilters and Can attach straight to a faucet, under septicsafe.com/filtrol-160-lint-filter-with-1-filter-bag Replaceable filter bag environmentalenhancements.com/Lint-LUV-R-order Metal Filter replaced, just cleaned filters that willnotneed to be Either have replaceable filters ormetal before exiting water usedduringthecycle isfiltered Attach to thedrainage pipeso allthe friend-washing-bag patagonia.com/product/guppy coraball.com/products/cora-ball collected andproperly disposedof every loadthemicroplastics can be Used withevery wash cycle; after be contaminated withmicroplastics and93%of age there are about10microplastic particles in 94% ofAmerican tap water hasbeenfound to bottled water brands have alsobeen found to be contaminated withmicroplastics; on aver every liter ofwater consumed.

- Big sources ofmicroplastics include synthetic clothing whichusemicrofibers madefrom Up to 85%ofmicroplastic pollution stems from this. plastics.