DEEP SEA MICROPLASTICS

DEEP SEA MICROPLASTICS

Deep sea hotspots of biodiversity are also likely to be microplastic hotspots, according to a recent study

The researcher deduce that thermohaline driven currents can cause microplastics to accumulate in the same regions where underwater organisms flock in the benthic region

Microplastics, small pieces of plastic, less than 5 mm (0.2 inch) in length, that occur in the environment as a consequence of plastic pollution

Microplastics are present in a variety of products, from cosmetics to synthetic clothing to plastic bags and bottles

Many of these products readily enter the environment in wastes

Microplastics consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms bound together in polymer chains. Other chemicals, such as phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), are also present in microplastics

Microplastics are divided into two types: primary and secondary

Primary microplastics include micro beads found in personal care products, plastic pellets and plastic fibres used in synthetic textiles (e.g., nylon)

 Primary microplastics enter the environment directly through any of various channels—for example, product use, unintentional loss from spills during manufacturing or transport, or abrasion during washing 

Secondary microplastics form from the breakdown of larger plastics;  happens when larger plastics undergo weathering, through exposure

Microplastics are not biodegradable. Once in the environment, primary and secondary microplastics accumulate and persist

Microplastics have been found in a variety of environments, including oceans and freshwater ecosystems

Microplastics also are a source of air pollution, occurring in dust and airborne fibrous particles

Microplastics have been detected in drinking water, beer, and food products, including seafood and table salt.