Microplastics: how they end up in nature

Microplastics have been found even in Antarctica. How do microplastics end up in the environment? This videographic explains.  VIDEOGRAPHIC

Transcript

00:00There are two types of microplastics.

00:09The majority of microplastics, which measure less than 5 millimeters, come from larger

00:14plastic waste, such as bottles or packaging.

00:18These fragments end up in nature and are known as secondary microplastics.

00:23But a significant portion of microplastics are incorporated directly into everyday objects

00:29during manufacturing and are dispersed into nature as we use them.

00:34These are primary microplastics.

00:36More than a third of primary microplastics released into the environment come from synthetic

00:41textiles.

00:43Machine-washed clothing releases plastic-containing microfibers into the sewage system.

00:49Many sewage treatment plants are unable to filter such small plastics, which then end

00:55up in the oceans.

00:57Almost 30% comes from the tires of vehicles.

01:00When they wear out, these microplastics are either dispersed by the wind or rainwater

01:04runoff, reaching the sewers and then the sea.

01:09Around a quarter of all emissions come from plastic dust produced in cities, abrasion

01:14from synthetic shoe soles, kitchen utensils, household dust, building exteriors, and detergents

01:21containing plastic.

01:23Finally, around 5% of our waste comes from boat paints, road markings, and personal care

01:29products, including certain toothpastes, shower gels, and body scrubs, where microplastics

01:35are added to improve texture and effectiveness.