Oct 31, 2023 · Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from both commercial product development and the breakdown of larger plastics. As a pollutant, microplastics can be harmful to the …

And though scientists know a great deal about the damage to marine life caused by large pieces of plastic, the potential harm caused by microplastics is less clear.

It often breaks down into smaller and smaller particles, called microplastics, which can be ingested by both animals and people. Fortunately, there are things we can do to help—like stop using plastic …

Apr 23, 2025 · Subjects Biology, Conservation, Earth Science, Oceanography Photograph Golden Trevally Eating Plastic A golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus) eating trash on the ocean surface. …

Oct 19, 2023 · Microplastics have been found in more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels destined for our dinner plates. In many cases, these tiny bits pass through the digestive …

What’s Really in the Patch? Microplastics make up 94 percent of an estimated 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic in the patch. But that only amounts to eight percent of the total tonnage. As it turns out, of the …

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that result from both commercial product development and the breakdown of larger plastics. As a pollutant, microplastics can be harmful to the environment and …

Apr 23, 2025 · As micro plastics and other trash collect on or near the surface of the ocean, they block sunlight from reaching plankton and algae below. Algae and plankton are the most common …

Nov 27, 2023 · Approximately half of all plastic pollution is submerged below the ocean surface, much of it in the form of microplastics so small that we may never be able to clean them up completely.

Oct 31, 2023 · Plastic trash in the ocean can also break down into really small pieces called microplastics, no bigger than half a centimeter (one-fifth of an inch) in size. Microplastics can be …