The Most Disturbing Places We've Found Microplastics So Far

The Most Disturbing Places We’ve Found Microplastics So Far

In 2004, scientists first discovered microplastics on British beaches, and since then, the world has been shocked by the pervasive presence of these tiny plastic pieces in virtually every corner of the planet. Microplastics, which are defined as plastic particles smaller than 5 millimeters, have been found in oceans, rivers, lakes, and even in the air we breathe. Here’s a far-from-complete list of some of the most disturbing places where microplastics have been found.

1. Oceans: Microplastics have been found in all five of the world’s major ocean gyres, as well as in smaller bodies of water such as bays and estuaries. These tiny plastic pieces can harm marine life, clogging their digestive tracts or causing blockages that lead to death.
2. Great Lakes: Microplastics have been discovered in high concentrations in the Great Lakes, particularly Lake Erie and Lake Michigan. These microplastics come from a variety of sources, including plastic bags, bottles, and microbeads in personal care products.
3. Drinking Water: Microplastics have been found in tap water all over the world, including in countries such as the United States, Canada, and Europe. A study by Orb Media found that 83% of tap water samples contained microplastics.
4. Food Chain: Microplastics have been discovered in the food chain, with tiny plastic pieces found in fish, shellfish, and even in the eggs of seabirds. This means that humans who consume seafood may also be ingesting microplastics, which could potentially cause harm to human health.
5. Soil: Microplastics have been found in soil, particularly in agricultural areas where plastic mulch is used. This has raised concerns about the impact of microplastics on soil health and the potential for them to enter the food chain through crops grown in contaminated soil.
6. Air: Microplastics have even been found in the air we breathe, with studies suggesting that they can be inhaled deep into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory problems.
7. Remote Islands: Microplastics have been found on remote islands, including those in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. This suggests that microplastics can travel long distances and end up in even the most isolated locations.
8. Deep Sea: Microplastics have been discovered in the deep sea, including in the Mariana Trench, which is the lowest point on Earth. This highlights the extent to which plastic waste has permeated our planet’s ecosystems.
9. Freshwater Lakes: Microplastics have been found in freshwater lakes, such as Lake Baikal in Russia and Lake Tanganyika in Africa. These findings suggest that microplastics can enter freshwater ecosystems through a variety of sources, including runoff from agricultural areas and sewage.
10. Human Bodies: In a disturbing revelation, microplastics have even been found in human bodies, with a study suggesting that humans may be consuming tens of thousands of microplastics every year.

The pervasive presence of microplastics in our environment highlights the urgent need for action to address plastic pollution. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to reduce plastic waste and prevent it from entering our ecosystems. This includes implementing policies that promote recycling, reducing single-use plastics, and increasing education and awareness about the impact of microplastics on our planet. The future of our planet depends on our ability to address this critical issue.