What are microplastics commonly defined as?

Microplastics are commonly defined as extremely small pieces of plastic that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. This definition encompasses debris such as tiny fragments that can originate from sources like discarded plastic bottles, bags, and other plastic products that degrade into smaller particles over time due to environmental factors such as sunlight and mechanical forces. This breakdown process highlights the persistent nature of plastic pollution in ecosystems, as these microplastics can be found in oceans, rivers, and soil, posing risks to wildlife and human health.

The focus on microplastics as a consequence of larger plastics underscores their significant environmental impact, as their diminutive size allows them to infiltrate food chains and accumulate in organisms. Understanding microplastics in this context is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their environmental and health implications.