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