microplastics
Minuscule synthetic fragments
Microplastics are tiny fragments of plastic, typically less than five millimeters across, that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items or are manufactured small for products like cosmetics and cleaning agents.
They accumulate in oceans, soil, and drinking water, entering the food chain and human bodies: Researchers found microplastics in fish tissue.
The term emerged as environmental concern about plastic pollution intensified.
Incomplete broken pieces
- fibersThreadlike structural strands
- beadsSmall pierced ornaments for stringing
- pelletsSmall compressed spheres
- microbeadsTiny plastic cosmetic particles
filaments · shards · flakes · granules · specks · dust · powder · bits
Introduction of impurities
- bioaccumulationPollutant concentration in tissues
- ingestionConsuming into the body
- leachingDissolving out by liquid
- sheddingLosing outer covering
runoff · waste · landfill · nonbiodegradable · filtration · persistence · degradation · breakdown
Causes cancer
- toxicityCapacity to cause harm
- ingestionConsuming into the body
- inhalationTaking breath in
- bloodstreamFlow through vessels
tissue · accumulation · inflammation · cellular · digestive · respiratory · drinking water · food chain
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- PETNuclear medicine imaging
- nylonSynthetic textile polymer
polyester · acrylic · PVC · polycarbonate · synthetic · polymers · plasticizers · phthalates
Massive saltwater body
- gyresRotating circular movements
- planktonDrifting marine microlife
- seafoodMarine creatures as cuisine
- fishGilled aquatic vertebrate
shellfish · coral · seabed · tides · currents · sediment · trawling · beaches
Woven or knit materials
- packagingProtective product enclosure
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
- tiresRubber wheel coverings
- laundryItems needing cleaning
fleece · clothing · bottles · containers · fishing nets · paint · glitter · cigarette filters
Present throughout, inescapable
- widespreadExisting across many places
- omnipresentExisting everywhere at once
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- atmosphereGaseous layer around planets
soil · freshwater · tap water · bottled water · rain · snow · air · food
fragments
Incomplete broken pieces
- fibersThreadlike structural strands
- beadsSmall pierced ornaments for stringing
- pelletsSmall compressed spheres
microbeads · filaments · shards · flakes · granules · specks · dust · powder · bits · motes
contamination
Introduction of impurities
- bioaccumulationPollutant concentration in tissues
- ingestionConsuming into the body
- leachingDissolving out by liquid
shedding · runoff · waste · landfill · nonbiodegradable · filtration · persistence · degradation · breakdown · environmental
carcinogenic
Causes cancer
- toxicityCapacity to cause harm
- ingestionConsuming into the body
- inhalationTaking breath in
bloodstream · tissue · accumulation · inflammation · cellular · digestive · respiratory · drinking water · food chain · exposure
polyethylene
Thermoplastic from ethylene gas
- polypropyleneVersatile thermoplastic resin
- polystyreneLightweight synthetic foam plastic
- PETNuclear medicine imaging
nylon · polyester · acrylic · PVC · polycarbonate · synthetic · polymers · plasticizers · phthalates · additives
ocean
Massive saltwater body
fish · shellfish · coral · seabed · tides · currents · sediment · trawling · beaches · coastal
textiles
Woven or knit materials
- packagingProtective product enclosure
- cosmeticsSkin-applied beauty substances
- tiresRubber wheel coverings
laundry · fleece · clothing · bottles · containers · fishing nets · paint · glitter · cigarette filters · foam
pervasive
Present throughout, inescapable
- widespreadExisting across many places
- omnipresentExisting everywhere at once
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
atmosphere · soil · freshwater · tap water · bottled water · rain · snow · air · food · salt
- pollutionair pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, smog, toxic waste
- environmentair pollution, ecology, clean air, biosphere, air quality
- environmental harmair pollution, water pollution, pollution, oil spills, acid rain
- Environmental problemsair pollution, water pollution, climate change, global warming, habitat loss
- environmental scienceecology, air quality, ecosystem, water quality, ecosystems
- environmentalismecology, conservationism, recycling bins, campaigner, environmentalism
microplasticsorganic matter
Material from living sources
natural fibers · sand · cellulose · pollen