Part 2/7:
Microplastics originate from larger plastic waste that degrades over time. Exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, the acidic conditions of ocean waters, and the relentless movement of currents all contribute to breaking down plastic debris into these minuscule fragments. Once formed, microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, finding their way into the water we drink, the fish we eat, and even the air we breathe.
As marine animals ingest these particles, microplastics accumulate up the food chain. Fish, for example, inadvertently consume microplastics while feeding, and humans, in turn, consume seafood that may contain embedded microplastics. This cycle ensures that microplastics are not confined to distant oceans but are a present and persistent issue in our own plates.