This document summarizes the issue of microplastics in the environment. It defines microplastics and macroplastics and discusses some of the main sources of microplastics pollution. It then explains how microplastics can sink and become embedded in sediments, disrupting ocean floors and causing oxygen depletion. Finally, it outlines several problems microplastics pose for marine life and humans, such as being mistaken for food, blocking circulatory systems, and absorbing toxic chemicals that concentrate up the food chain.

1. Matija Bažec, Črtomir Grlj, Jan Eller & Petra Trstenjak

2.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHCgA-
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3.  MICROPLASTICS small plastic particles
(less than 5 mm) in the environment
 MACROPLASTICS plastic particles
(more than 5 mm) in the environment

4.  Brakedown of larger pieces
 Nurdles-large quantities of it lost during
transport
 Plastic abrasives
 Plastic resins
 Plastic fibres

5.  1.
• They are hard to contain (once they entre the
water)
 2.
• It becomes colonized by microorganizems
• These alter the properties of plastics
• Causing it to sink
 It embades in to the seabad and shoreline

6.  Those particles obstruct oxygen flow throught
the sediment
 Anoxic conditions
 The deathn of oxygen-dependent faunaand
flora

7. 4. Problems for marine fauna:
• Circulatory blockages (lugworms, mussels...)
• Often mistaken as a food source (nurdles – fish
eggs)
• Physical blockages, malnutrition, chocking and
starvation
• Harmful for seabirds
• And people

8. 5. Absorbing toxic chemicals
 Magnify the food chain
 Provides significant implications
 Intoxicate fish that eat microplastic
affect human health

9.  Fauna & Flora International
 Aims to adress sources of microplastics
 Good Scrub Guide

10.  Giant islands of garbage
 Great Pacific garbage patch
 A few smaller islands in other oceans

11.  Boyan Slat
 Ocean cleanup machine
 System of trash-collecting booms