Microplastics
Tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter that originate from various sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic debris, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothing. Microplastics are a significant environmental concern due to their potential to be ingested by marine life and enter the food chain, impacting human health and ecosystems. They primarily affect marine environments and organisms, but also pose risks to human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood.