There is relatively ample sensitizaton about the dangers of plastics, up cycle and recycle. There is also advocacy for a circular system where waste materials are retained in the country mostly used for other purposes. I however reckon that the ramifications of incorporating recycled materials into our environment have been considered- the danger of microplastics.
National Geographic defines microplastics, as the name implies, are tiny plastic particles. Officially, they are defined as plastics less than five millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter—smaller in diameter than the standard pearl used in jewelry.
Just like weathering, micro plastics are formed from the break down or fragmentation of larger plastics. The breakdown is caused by environmental factors mainly sun’s radiation, the oceans waves, or other human induced mechanical means.
These micro plastics are obtained from shredding larger plastics like bottles, gallons, plastic textiles to pellets or smaller particles. They are used to serve various purposes typically a new prospect in the construction industry. Bricks are made from plastics and these plastics come into direct contact wit the earth.
Like plastic goods of any size, the issue with microplastics is that they do not easily decompose into harmless components. Plastics can take hundreds or even thousands of years to disintegrate, and while they do so, they cause significant environmental damage. Microplastics can be seen on beaches as minute pieces of colored plastic in the sand. Marine animals frequently absorb micro plastic contamination in the waters.
Client Earth cautions that, microplastics are extremely persistent, which means it is almost impossible to remove them from the environment where they accumulate. Due to their persistence and the chemicals they are made of, studies suggest they can be highly detrimental to the organisms they come in contact with, including by causing reduced feeding, poisoning and increasing mortality. They also tend to facilitate the transfer of contaminants along the food chain, with potentially grave consequences for human health.
By; King Mawuli
