What are microplastics?

QuestionsCategory: PollutionWhat are microplastics?
Prerna Mistry asked 5 years ago
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What are microplastics?
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What are microplastics?
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Landfills and oceans are riddled with large amounts of plastic waste and debris. This plastic waste and debris can come in all shapes and sizes.
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GreenSutra
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Team GreenSutra® Staff answered 5 years ago

Landfills and oceans are riddled with large amounts of plastic waste and debris. This plastic waste and debris can come in all shapes and sizes.

Plastic waste, debris or fragments that are less than 5mm in length are usually referred to as Microplastics.

Based upon their source, there are two types of Microplastics:

  • Primary Microplastics – Plastic debris, waste or fragments that are purposefully made less than 5mm in length.
  • Secondary Microplastics – Plastic debris, waste or fragments that break down to a size of less than 5mm in length from larger pieces.

In a recent study, microplastics were found in all aquatic life forms.