Examples of microplastics

• Tiny fragments of 5 mm or less are called microplastics and are particularly dangerous as they can absorb toxic chemicals which are transported to marine animals when ingested.

• The group plans to investigate how the microbial interaction with microplastics varies across different habitats within the coastal seabed.

• An example of a larger product that turns into microplastic over time could be a plastic bag that is degraded to smaller and smaller pieces in the course of months or years.

• Due to its size and variety of sources, the characterization of microplastic is even more complex than for large plastic debris.

• It is not clear, however, if microplastics play a larger role as chemical reservoirs on smaller scales.

• Microplastics may sink, threatening filter feeders on the seabed.

• It remains unknown if microplastics may be transferred across trophic levels.

• Toxic microplastics can be swallowed by using this toothpaste.

• In contrast, microplastics are not as conspicuous, being less than 5 mm.

• Ingestion of microplastics by species at the base of the food web causes concern as little is known about its effects.

• Microplastics and nanosilver materials flowing and cycling through ecosystems from pollution and discarded technology are among a growing list of emerging ecological concerns.

• When fleece goes through the laundry, it generates microplastics which become part of domestic waste water.

• The breakdown of lines, especially in strimmers, leads to microplastics which may cause starvation or poisoning of organisms in soil or water.

• Elmex also contains microplastics, endangering the environment.