Introduction to Microplastics

The term microplastics, which we embarked on to raise awareness around us, was first coined in a report published by the US Air Force Materials Laboratory in 1968. In this report, the term microplastics was used to describe particles formed when plastic materials are subjected to high voltages (Mikroplastik Nedir? - mikroplastik.org, 2021). Microplastics are plastic particles that occur as a result of plastic pollution and are less than 5 millimeters in length. Microplastics consist of solid plastic particles formed from a mixture of polymer additives (Yılmaz, Ulutaş, n.d.). There are various sources of microplastics. Unfortunately, one of these sources is PET bottles, which we frequently use in our daily lives.

(Yılmaz, Ulutaş, nd)

Microplastics are divided into primary and secondary categories. PET bottles fall into the second group. They are irregular plastic pieces formed by the degradation of large plastics like PET bottles. While mechanical breakdowns are generally the causes of microplastics in this category, chemical breakdowns can also contribute to the formation of this type of microplastic. Over time, with exposure to sunlight and other physical and biological effects, large plastics can break down into microplastic size. (Yılmaz, Ulutaş, n.d.). Unfortunately, these microplastics pose a significant threat to the environment and living organisms.

They are commonly found in water sources, especially in oceans, lakes, and rivers, and can adversely affect underwater life. Marine organisms can incorporate these particles into the food chain, posing a threat to the health of many species, including humans. Additionally, the spread of microplastics to soil and air can affect agricultural products and the quality of the air we breathe (Yılmaz, Ulutaş, n.d.). Besides directly harming living organisms, microplastics contribute to persistent pollution in nature because their ability to biodegrade is extremely low. Moreover, they can serve as a vehicle for the transport of other harmful toxins and chemical substances (Okatan, 2023).

(Okatan, 2023) 

Microplastics can be found anywhere on Earth. The problem of plastic pollution can be encountered everywhere, from the deepest points like the Mariana Trench to the highest points like Mount Everest. So far, there is no definitive study showing that plastic waste breaks down into microplastic particles. However, it is believed that in the coming years, microplastic particles will likely be found everywhere regardless of location or altitude (Yılmaz, Ulutaş, n.d.). In fact, various studies indicate that due to the widespread use of plastic packaging and the ability of microplastics to persist in nature for a long time without degradation, they can easily transfer to products such as salt, honey, sugar, water, fruits, and vegetables. For example, some research shows that worker bees can carry microplastics into beehives, where these microplastics can mix with honey. Other studies have found microplastics in edible parts of apples, carrots, cabbage, broccoli, and pears. At this point reached by these studies, it is now believed that microplastics can not only pass to humans through food but also through respiration and skin contact (Okatan, 2023).

(Okatan, 2023) 

We wanted to touch on microplastics in this week's article in general terms. In our future writings, we will delve further into their implications for human health. Thank you very much for reading up to this point.

References

Okatan, A. (2023, August 25). Mikroplastikler sağlığımızı nasıl etkiliyor? Bilim. Genc. https://bilimgenc.tubitak.gov.tr/makale/mikroplastikler-sagligimizi-nasil-etkiliyor 

Yılmaz, Ulutaş, Y. T. Y. (n.d.). Mikroplastik Nedir? Canlılara ve Çevreye Nasıl Zarar Verir? - Evrim Ağacı. Evrim Ağacı. https://evrimagaci.org/mikroplastik-nedir-canlilara-ve-cevreye-nasil-zarar-verir-15353 

Mikroplastik Nedir? - mikroplastik.org. (2021, May 17). mikroplastik.org - Mikroplastik. https://mikroplastik.org/mikroplastik-nedir/