Microplastic

Microplastics

Where microplastics come from

• fibres from some 1 during washing

• the breakdown of large pieces of plastic

• waste from industry

• the action of vehicle tyres on roads

Effects of microplastics

• They cause injuries to the 2 of wildlife and affect their digestive systems.

• They enter the food chain, e.g., in bottled and tap water, 3 and seafood.

• They may not affect human health, but they are already banned in skin cleaning products and 4 in some countries.

• Microplastics enter the soil through the air, rain and 5.

Microplastics in the soil - a study by Anglia Ruskin University

• Earthworms are important because they add 6 to the soil.

• The study aimed to find whether microplastics in earthworms affect the 7 of plants.

• The study found that microplastics caused:

            -8 loss in earthworms

            - fewer seeds to germinate

            - a rise in the level of 9 in the soil.

The study concluded:

            - soil should be seen as an important natural process.

            - changes to soil damage both ecosystems and 10