Microplastics are small pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in length. They can come from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic items, the use of microbeads in personal care products, and the release of plastic fibers from clothing during washing.

Microplastics can enter the water environment from a variety of sources, including wastewater treatment plants, stormwater runoff, and agricultural runoff. Wastewater treatment plants are not able to completely remove microplastics from wastewater, and stormwater runoff can carry microplastics from roads and parking lots into waterways. Agricultural runoff can also carry microplastics from fields into waterways.

Microplastics can have a variety of negative effects on aquatic life. They can be ingested by aquatic organisms, leading to health problems such as reduced growth, impaired reproduction, and increased mortality. Microplastics can also block the gills of aquatic organisms, leading to suffocation. Additionally, microplastics can absorb toxins from the water and release them into the food chain, which can have negative effects on higher trophic levels.

Microplastics can have a variety of negative effects on human health. They can be ingested by humans through contaminated food or water, and they can cause inflammation and other health problems. Additionally, microplastics can carry harmful bacteria and viruses, which can lead to infections and other diseases.

There are a number of ways to reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment. These include reducing the use of single-use plastics, properly disposing of plastic waste, and supporting policies that reduce microplastic pollution. Reducing the use of single-use plastics can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is generated, and proper disposal of plastic waste can help to prevent microplastics from entering the environment. Supporting policies that reduce microplastic pollution can also help to address the problem at a larger scale.