Microplastics

Complete the notes. Write ONE WORD ONLY in each gap.

Microplastics

Where microplastics come from

  ● fibres from some (31) during washing
  ● the breakdown of large pieces of plastic
  ● waste from industry
  ● the action of vehicle tyres on roads

Effects of microplastics

  ● They cause injuries to the (32) of wildlife and affect their digestive systems.
  ● They enter the food chain, e.g., in bottled and tap water, (33) and seafood.
  ● They may not affect human health, but they are already banned in skin cleaning products and (34) in some countries.
  ● Microplastics enter the soil through the air, rain and (35) .

Microplastics in the soil – a study by Anglia Ruskin University

  ● Earthworms are important because they add (36) to the soil.
  ● The study aimed to find whether microplastics in earthworms affect the (37) of plants.
  ● The study found that microplastics caused:
  – (38) loss in earthworms
  – fewer seeds to germinate
  – a rise in the level of (39) in the soil.

  ● The study concluded:

  – soil should be seen as an important natural process.
  – changes to soil damage both ecosystems and (40) .