Microplastics

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Context

• Researchers have created a plant-based polymer that biodegrades at the microplastic level.

Importance of the findings

• It has been described as a monumental step toward resolving the persistent issue of plastic pollution.
• The discovery not only addresses the pressing environmental challenge posed by traditional plastics and microplastics but also signals a new age of eco-friendly materials.
• The polymers can completely biodegrade in less than seven months.

What are microplastics?

• According to National Geographic, microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic debris in the environment resulting from the disposal and breakdown of consumer products and industrial waste.
• Officially, they are defined as plastics less than five millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter - smaller than the standard pearl used in jewelry.
• They consist of carbon and hydrogen atoms bound together in polymer chains. Other chemicals, such as phthalates, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), are typically also present in microplastics.
• There are two categories of microplastics: primary and secondary.
  • Primary microplastics are tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as cosmetics, microfibers shed from clothing, and other textiles, such as fishing nets.
  • Secondary microplastics are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles. This breakdown is caused by exposure to environmental factors, mainly the sun’s radiation and ocean waves.

As pollutants, microplastics can be harmful to the environment and animal health.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/venomous-jellyfish-blooms-spotted-along-visakhapatnam-coast-in-andhra-pradesh/article68023846.ece