About microplastics

Widespread application of plastics in everyday life leads to micropollution and its accumulation in the environment. Micropollution has significant negative effects on nature and human health.

 Sources of microplastics：

synthetic textiles
road markings
personal care products and cosmetics
plastic pellets
marine coating
city dust.

It is important to note that those are not the only sources of microplastics, but those are the sources for which there have been attempt to be quantified. Primary microplastics have hundreds of other sources across many sectors, however our understanding of those and their contribution to pollution are yet to be developed.

Distribution of Microplastics：

Environmental Distribution

Oceans: The total amount of microplastics in the world's oceans exceeds 5 trillion, concentrated in areas where ocean currents converge (e.g., the Pacific Garbage Patch). Land: Soil, freshwater systems (e.g. rivers, lakes) contain even higher concentrations of microplastics than the oceans.

Air: windborne, detected in polar snow samples and city dust. 

In living organisms

Microplastics have been found in everything from plankton to whales, from shellfish to human placenta and blood (the average human ingests about 5 grams of microplastics per week, which is the weight of a credit card).

Hazards of microplastics：

Harms to the Ecosystem

Ingestion by Marine Organisms: Microplastics are widespread in the ocean. Many marine organisms, such as plankton, fish, and seabirds, may mistake them for food and ingest them. This can lead to physical damage to their digestive systems, reduced food intake, and even death.

Disruption of the Food Chain: As microplastics move up the food chain, they can accumulate in larger predators. This may disrupt the balance of the food chain and have far - reaching consequences for the entire ecosystem.

Impact on Soil and Freshwater Ecosystems: Microplastics also exist in soil and freshwater environments. They can affect the growth and reproduction of soil organisms and aquatic plants, and alter the structure and function of these ecosystems.

Harms to Human Health Potential Ingestion and Inhalation: 

Humans are exposed to microplastics through various routes, including ingestion of contaminated food and water, and inhalation of microplastics in the air. Once inside the body, microplastics may accumulate in organs and tissues, potentially causing inflammation and other health problems.


Chemical Exposure: Microplastics can adsorb harmful substances such as heavy metals and organic pollutants from the environment. When humans ingest these microplastics, they may be exposed to these toxic chemicals, which can have adverse effects on human health, including endocrine disruption, immune system suppression, and an increased risk of cancer.

In conclusion, the widespread presence of microplastics poses a significant threat to the ecosystem and human health. Urgent measures are needed to reduce the production and release of microplastics and to mitigate their harmful effects.

Global Response:

Policies and regulations

Several countries have banned the addition of virgin microplastics to cosmetics (e.g., U.S. Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015).

EU plans to reduce microplastic pollution by 30% by 2030.

Technological innovation

Biodegradable plastics (e.g. PLA, PHA) instead of traditional plastics.

Filtration technology upgrades (e.g., special filters for washing machines to intercept fibers).

Public Action

Reduce single-use plastics (e.g. bring your own cloth bag, water cup).

Choose microplastic-free household products (recognize the "zero plastic particles" label).