MICROPLASTICS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Scientific landfills are considered containment systems that isolate waste from the surrounding environment.

Microplastics

• About: Microplastics are minute fragments of diverse plastic materials present in the surroundings.
• These minute plastic particles pose a threat to marine environments and the creatures that inhabit them.
• A recent study revealed a groundbreaking discovery: microplastics, which are minuscule plastic particles, have been identified in human blood for the very first time.
• Two main categories of Microplastics

oPrimary Microplastics:  These are released into the environment from a variety of sources.

oSecondary Microplastics: These are created when larger plastics break down.

Microbeads: A type of microplastic, are very tiny pieces of manufactured polyethylene plastic that are added as exfoliants to health and beauty products, such as some cleansers and toothpaste.