1Small Pieces, Big Problems
Microplastics are any piece of plastic smaller than five millimeters—that is about the same size as a tiny sesame seed! Unlike a piece of fruit that rots and disappears, plastic never really goes away. Instead, sun, wind, and waves break big items like bottles and bags into millions of these "hidden" pieces. Because they are so small, they are often invisible to the naked eye, making them much harder to catch than a floating soda bottle. These particles can act like tiny magnets for other pollutants in the water, making them even more harmful to the environment as they float along.
2Where Do They Come From?
These tiny travelers show up in the most surprising places. Scientists have found microplastics at the very top of Mount Everest and even in the freezing snow of Antarctica. Many of them actually start in our own homes through everyday activities. For example, when we wash clothes made of synthetic materials like polyester or fleece, up to 700,000 microscopic fibers can break off in just one single load of laundry! These fibers are too small for most water filters to catch, so they eventually flow through our pipes, into rivers, and out into the vast blue ocean.
3Protecting the Food Chain
The biggest worry for scientists is how these pieces affect the food chain. Tiny sea creatures, like plankton and small shrimp, often mistake microplastics for a snack because they look just like their usual food. When a small fish eats the plankton, and a big fish eats the small fish, the plastic moves all the way up to the top of the food chain! While researchers are still learning exactly how this affects the health of animals and humans over long periods, we can all help by using fewer single-use plastics and choosing natural fabrics like cotton. Every big change starts with small steps to keep our nature clean!
