What Are Microplastics and How to Tackle Them

Microplastics pollute the planet and even enter our bodies. Scientists share innovative solutions that fight this global issue from beach vacuums to enzyme technology.

By Nancy Averett
Dec 14, 2021 5:00 PMOct 8, 2024 6:02 PM
Sea turtle mistaking a plastic bag for food, highlighting the dangers of microplastic pollution
(Credit: Willyam Bradberry/Shutterstock)

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Concerns about microplastics are not new. They’ve been growing for more than a decade. Over the past two years, however, many creative solutions have emerged to address the problem on a local level, ranging from hoovering beaches to shooting bubbles up from river bottoms.

Still, experts say there’s a need for a huge, coordinated effort if we want to curb the global issue: The world produces over 460 million tons of plastic annually, and much of that material breaks down into tiny pieces that now litter our planet.

What Are Microplastics?

(Credit: SIVStockStudio/Shutterstock)
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