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Microplastics

microplastics floating in dark, greenish blue water
Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic, smaller than 5mm (a grain of rice or smaller). They can come from intentionally made products, such as glitter, which is called a primary source, or from larger plastic items that have worn down over time, such as broken plastic containers, which are secondary sources. Microplastics can be found across the world, including in plants, animals, and people, as well as our physical environment. Because plastic does not easily break down in the environment, microplastics can build up in the environment for decades. They can be harmful to wildlife by blocking digestion, transferring other harmful chemicals via contact or ingestion, and cause physical damage. Similarly, there are concerns about the various human health risks posed by microplastics through ingestion and inhalation.

Where are they?

Microplastics have been found in every environment on Earth, with larger concentrations surrounding urban areas. Some microplastics sources are easy to identify, like Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) or factories, but others can be more difficult. For example, stormwater runoff is a major concern for transporting pollutants into our water systems, but it can be very difficult to pinpoint the start and finish points.

What is being done?

Many countries and states are beginning to address microplastics as a major concern. California for example has passed multiple bills directly related to microplastic pollution. Some other US states are looking to do the same, Michigan included. Numerous other countries and regions have planned, enacted, and implemented various types of actions regarding plastics, including microplastics.

Mitigation strategies focus on prevention to reduce plastic production, improve waste management (recycling, reuse, disposal), and promote sustainable alternatives. Technological methods such as various filtration, electrocoagulation, and magnetic extraction approaches have shown some promise for removing microplastics from water and waste treatment plants, but challenges in scale and full implementation persist. Addressing the issue fundamentally involves consumer behavior changes, waste management advancements, and the continued investigation into the long-term environmental and human health implications of microplastics. The need exists for standardized sample analyses and risk assessment frameworks. Specific data gaps exist concerning the environmental fate and transport of MPs, as well as their toxicity and health effects.

Resources

Contact us

Call the Pollution Emergency Alerting System (PEAS) at 800-292-4706.

Emerging Contaminants Unit
Drinking Water and Environmental Health Division
P.O. Box 30473
Lansing, MI 48909-7973

EGLE-PFAS@Michigan.gov