Microbeads: Ocean Plastic's Hidden Breakdown

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue, with an estimated 12 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year. Plastic debris breaks down into smaller and smaller fragments, including microplastics and nanoplastics, which are less than 5mm in size. These microplastics can come from larger pieces of plastic breaking down, or from microbeads in personal care products like exfoliators and toothpastes. While less visually striking than larger pieces of plastic, microplastics can have serious effects on marine ecosystems and may even pose a threat to the stability of Earth's climate.

Microbeads are tiny pieces of polyethylene plastic added to health and beauty products, such as some cleansers and toothpastes

Microplastics, which include microbeads, are less than 5 millimetres long (roughly the size of a sesame seed). They can absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants, only to later release them in the ocean. While microbeads are not the largest source of marine plastic or even microplastics, they still contribute to the estimated 12 million metric tons of plastic that currently enters the ocean each year. Most microplastic in the ocean ends up there after breaking down from bigger pieces of plastic on beaches.

In addition to microbeads, other forms of microplastics include microfibers shed from synthetic clothing or fishing nets, and small beads found in some soaps and other personal care products. These microplastics can also have serious effects on marine ecosystems and may even pose a threat to the stability of Earth's climate.

Microplastics, which include microbeads, are less than 5mm long

Microplastics are formed when larger pieces of plastic break down into smaller pieces. They can also come from microfibres shed from synthetic clothing or fishing nets. These fibres, beads, and microplastic fragments can absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants, only to later release them in the ocean.

An estimated 12 million metric tons of plastic currently enters the ocean each year. As the plastic is tossed around, much of it breaks into tiny pieces, called microplastics. Microplastics constitute over 90% of surface water marine plastics.

While microbeads are not the largest source of marine plastic or even microplastics, they are still a significant contributor. Cosmetic microbeads are much smaller than other microplastics, and are considered primary microplastics, as opposed to secondary microplastics, which are the result of larger pieces of plastic breaking down.

Microplastics can absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants, only to later release them in the ocean

Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are less than 5mm long. They are formed when larger pieces of plastic break down in the ocean, and they can also come from personal care products such as exfoliators and toothpastes.

The global overconsumption of plastic is worsening the accumulation of microplastics in the environment. To date, no solution has been found to extract or remove them from the environment. As a result, microplastics are having far-reaching and insidious effects on ocean life, with the potential to impact key Earth operating systems that keep the planet habitable.

Microplastics are a different kind of threat to wildlife than macroplastics

While macroplastics such as plastic bags, six-pack rings, straws, bottles, ropes, and take-out containers pose a threat to wildlife through entanglement or consumption, microplastics are a different kind of threat. Microplastics are particles smaller than five millimetres in size and constitute over 90% of surface water marine plastics. They are formed when larger pieces of plastic break down into smaller pieces, either on beaches or in the ocean.

Microplastics can include microbeads, which are tiny pieces of polyethylene plastic added to health and beauty products, such as some cleansers and toothpastes. They can pass through wastewater treatment processes and end up in the ocean, posing a potential threat to aquatic life. Microfibres, shed from synthetic clothing or fishing nets, are another problematic form of microplastic.

These fibres, beads, and microplastic fragments can all absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants, only to later release them in the ocean. This can have serious effects on marine ecosystems and may even pose a threat to the stability of Earth's climate. An estimated 12 million metric tons of plastic currently enters the ocean each year, gradually breaking down into micro- and nanoplastics.

While macroplastics are more visible and can be an eyesore when they wash up on beaches, microplastics are less visually striking. However, their small size means they can be ingested by marine life, potentially causing harm to their health.

Most plastic in the ocean is from beach plastics that break down and the improper disposal of trash

Most plastic in the ocean comes from beach plastics that break down and the improper disposal of trash. Plastic debris gradually breaks down into smaller and smaller fragments, known as microplastics, which are less than 5mm long. These microplastics can have serious effects on marine ecosystems and may even pose a threat to the stability of Earth's climate.

Microplastics can come from personal care products, such as exfoliators and toothpastes, which are washed down the drain. They can also come from larger items, such as abandoned fishing nets, bags, six-pack rings, straws, bottles, ropes, and take-out containers. These larger items are known as macroplastics and can pose a threat to wildlife through entanglement or consumption.

As plastic is tossed around in the ocean, it breaks into tiny pieces, which can then absorb harmful pollutants like pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants. These pollutants are later released into the ocean, further damaging marine life.

While microbeads from personal care products are a source of microplastics in the ocean, they are not the largest source. The majority of plastic in the ocean comes from the breakdown of larger pieces of plastic and the improper disposal of trash. This includes items such as plastic bags, bottles, and fishing nets, which are often abandoned or not properly recycled.

Frequently asked questions