Microplastics: Micro but Mighty

             Microplastics found at a local beach | Source: InnoHealth  

In the quiet corners of this world, a hidden adversary lies in wait - microplastics. These 

invisible ghosts lie in a beautiful shimmering pond, awaiting a young girl seeking refuge from the scorching sun. The clear water, teeming with these microbeads, draws her in like a whirlpool. She scoops up a handful of the liquid abyss and drinks it, unknowingly welcoming an army of invisible invaders into her body. With every sip she takes, they silently spread their toxic grip. Tiny particles of plastic are now in her stomach and it may not feel the worst, but it isn’t so great either. How does this happen? 

Asking the Experts

A similar experience occurred with Lake Tahoe and environmental scientists, Dr. Veronica Nava, a postdoctoral scholar from the University of Milano-Bicocca, and Professor Sudeep Chandra, the director of the Global Water Center at the University of Nevada. The deceiving lake was referred to as “one of the clearest lakes in the world” and was expected to have “relatively low concentrations of plastics” by Professor Chandra. However, as he exclaimed, “All of a sudden we saw pretty high concentrations of plastics”. Dr. Nava adds, “Things were a little bit surprising” in their research. Both researchers speculate that tourists and the population of the town surrounding Lake Tahoe are responsible for these findings. Professor Chandra brings attention to a “photograph in the Los Angeles Times right after July fourth where 8,000 pounds of trash were picked up from the beaches of Lake Tahoe with plastics included”. Once these tiny pieces of plastic are released into the environment, they persist in the ecosystem for decades like a sinister curse.

Microplastics, by definition, are tiny pieces of plastic material typically smaller than five 

millimeters. They can be categorized into two main types: primary microplastics, which are intentionally manufactured at small sizes for specific purposes, and secondary microplastics, which are formed through the breakdown of larger plastic items. 

But if they are so tiny, how can they harm the environment?  This can be best explained by “Dr. Nava's expertise,” states Professor Chandra. With years of research in microplastics as a limnologist, Dr. Nava explains that they have “shape-dependent effects” in which a small size creates a larger surface area. With more contact with the environment, tiny particles of plastic can create more significant changes to ecosystems. They are small like a spark, yet capable of igniting a wildfire. 

Fatty Plastic Snacks?

After a few small sips, the young girl notices that her jeans feel tighter by the second! 

This is because, in terms of human health, microplastics can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and disruption in the endocrine system. Based on Dr. Nava and Dr. Chandra’s research, “the long-term impact of microplastics is still unknown” and they could potentially lead to diseases in the human body. Another concern is the ability of microplastics to adsorb and concentrate harmful chemicals from the surrounding environment. When ingested, they could potentially release these absorbed chemicals in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to exposure to toxic substances. However, the disastrous effects don’t just stop there…

Microplastics also pose threats to the environment, as marine animals mistake them for 

food, leading to injuries and starvation, while their accumulation of toxins can impact the entire food chain. “Dr. Nava’s excellent pioneering work has inspired me to think about the organisms that grow on the plastics,” expresses Professor Chandra, “and what this might contribute to.” What does this mean for the environment? Paul Anastas, the Director of the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering, explains, “When a fish or invertebrate absorbs these microplastics by eating them, they can experience health problems such as a severe interference to or an abrasion with their digestive tracts, which can be fatal.” From the tiniest zooplankton to the majestic marine mammals, countless creatures fall victim to the ingestion of these insidious invaders.

Leave the Earth Alone!

These malevolent specters don't spare the soil either! They find their way into soils 

through various sources, including plastic mulch in agriculture and the breakdown of plastic litter. Within the soil, microplastics can influence water retention, soil structure, and nutrient availability, ultimately affecting plant growth and agricultural productivity. This was researched by several undergraduate college students at Rutgers with my assistance. This study sought to observe the effect of microplastics on the rate of organic matter decomposition under the rationale that the addition of microplastics would alter the porous structure of the soil, thereby restricting the penetration of water into the soil.

The study’s results indicated that as the amount of microplastics increased in the soil, more water was needed to maintain the soil’s stable moisture. After viewing this study, Professor Chandra stresses, “moisture and flow is critical in soil right especially for plant processes” and this research indicates that microplastics “can fundamentally alter an ecosystem process.” If this study is applied to the real world, it indicates that more water, despite the current water shortage, will be needed to grow food in farms due to these terrorizing plastics taking over. 

A Future of Plastic

At this rate, microplastics are on their path to take over everything! Dr. Nava mentions the need to “create awareness about this topic” and Professor Chandra states, “A sense of urgency and call for action is significant for this solvable problem.” Reducing plastic production and consumption, and raising awareness about the consequences of plastic pollution are crucial steps to curb the increase of microplastics and protect the health and balance of ecosystems. Currently, Dr. Nava and Professor Chandra are working on a research project that they are thrilled about, focusing on the “metabolic processes of communities with integrated plastics.” This proves that additional research in the future and increased efforts in raising awareness to solve this problem can lead to the elimination of microplastics! Shouldn’t people be able to drink water without worrying about these invisible invaders?

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Diya Shah, a seventeen year old high school student living in the United States, has a passion for tennis, dance, and reading. She loves volunteering at her local fire department, ambulance squad, and hospital. Diya's all time favorite show is Modern Family, and her favorite character is Alex Dunphy! In her free time, she likes to dance and hang out with her friends and family.