Freshwater Microplastic Pollution Management
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Questions and Answers

What is a primary source of microplastics related to household activities?

  • Natural degradation of organic materials
  • Erosion of building materials
  • Use of personal care products (correct)
  • Discharge from industrial facilities
  • Which of the following statements regarding tyre abrasion is true?

  • It produces significant quantities of rubber particles that enter waterways. (correct)
  • Tyre abrasion has the least impact in industrial regions.
  • Tyre abrasion primarily affects rural rather than urban areas.
  • It only releases microplastics during the winter months.
  • What amount of plastic fibers are released into the environment annually from washing machines?

  • 12,500 t (correct)
  • 94,500 t
  • 1,120,000 t
  • 3 – 36 million particles
  • What is one of the primary pathways for humans to be exposed to microplastics (MPs) through personal care products?

    <p>Transdermal absorption from skin contact</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are microplastics classified based on their size?

    <p>Between 100 nm and 1 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which industry is notably linked to the release of preproduction plastic pellets?

    <p>Fishing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary source of microplastic fragments entering freshwater systems?

    <p>Land-based human activities</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a known toxic chemical additive in plastics that can affect human health?

    <p>Chlorophyll</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do microplastic particles that enter through the skin affect the body once absorbed?

    <p>They reach the microcirculation and can lead to local toxicity.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT affect the spatial distribution of microplastics?

    <p>Soil type</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process contributes to the formation of microplastics from larger plastic materials?

    <p>UV radiation and chemical agents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factors directly influence the potential hazards of microplastics?

    <p>Metabolism or degradation and presence of biofilms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the prevalent types of microplastics identified in recent studies?

    <p>PVC and polyester</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following environments is least associated with microplastic pollution?

    <p>Deserts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a significant contributing factor to the global distribution of microplastics?

    <p>Road traffic emissions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do denser polymers behave in freshwater environments compared to less dense ones?

    <p>Sink and settle at the channel bottom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the size range of microplastics derived from seafood based on the content provided?

    <p>38.2–820 μm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which economic regions are among the top emitters of microplastics due to tyre abrasion?

    <p>European Union</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What impact does storm runoff have on microplastic distribution?

    <p>Resuspends particles from sediment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concentration range of microplastics was observed in freshwater studies from various continents?

    <p>0.01 to 3 g/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which human activity is least likely to result in the introduction of microplastics into water sources?

    <p>Removing plastic debris from oceans</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following does NOT contribute to the temporal distribution of microplastics?

    <p>Sediment type</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor increases microplastic degradation in freshwater environments during dry periods?

    <p>Lack of sediment interaction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary route of microplastic exposure to humans?

    <p>Ingestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which seafood type has the highest estimated yearly microplastics uptake per family?

    <p>Mollusks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of salt contains the least amount of microplastics?

    <p>Rock/well salt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the size range of microplastics found in bottled water?

    <p>6.5–20 μm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a route of microplastic exposure to humans?

    <p>Absorption through eyes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of beverage has larger microplastic particles compared to others?

    <p>Soft drinks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many items of microplastics does a family consuming crustaceans ingest yearly?

    <p>17,716 items</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the microplastic content in sea salt per kg?

    <p>550 items/kg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of microplastic sizes found in tap water from groundwater sources?

    <p>50–150 μm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following human exposure pathways is the least significant regarding microplastics?

    <p>Sublimation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum concentration of microplastics found in tap water?

    <p>4.2 pieces/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much can the concentration of microplastics in bottled water exceed that of tap water?

    <p>20 times</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary pathway through which microplastics accumulate in human consumers?

    <p>Consumption via the food chain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the annual individual consumption of microplastics from food and drink approximately?

    <p>52,000 pieces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What adds to the total estimated annual consumption of microplastics when considering inhalable particles?

    <p>121,000 pieces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a source of microplastics related to food?

    <p>Domestic food with additives</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of microplastics found in domestic food with additives?

    <p>0.10–1.48 pieces/g</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a way through which humans are exposed to microplastics?

    <p>Transdermal absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do microplastics primarily accumulate in aquatic organisms?

    <p>Via waterborne ingestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant factor contributing to the increased concentration of microplastics in bottled water compared to tap water?

    <p>Contamination during bottling</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary route of microplastic exposure to humans?

    <p>Ingestion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of seafood has the highest estimated yearly microplastics uptake per family?

    <p>Mollusks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the microplastic content in sea salt per kilogram?

    <p>550 items/kg</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What size range do microplastics in bottled water typically fall within?

    <p>6.5-20 μm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of beverage is noted for containing larger microplastic particles?

    <p>Soft drinks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process leads to the breakdown of larger plastic into smaller microplastics?

    <p>Degradation from UV radiation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which industry is linked to the release of microplastics from the cutting or grinding of plastic?

    <p>Fishing industry</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant seasonal factor affecting the degradation of microplastics in freshwater environments?

    <p>Dry periods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which source of microplastic pollution is related to the use of personal care products?

    <p>Microbeads in cosmetics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of microplastic particles entering freshwater systems from road traffic?

    <p>Tyre abrasion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common way through which microplastics are released during industrial processes?

    <p>Improper handling of preproduction pellets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which economic region is the largest emitter of microplastics from tyre abrasion?

    <p>European Union</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor is known to worsen microplastic pollution during wet seasons?

    <p>Storm runoff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents a human activity that significantly affects the spatial distribution of microplastics?

    <p>Urban land cover</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the primary types of microplastics identified in various studies?

    <p>PVC and polyester</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect does NOT influence the temporal distribution of microplastics?

    <p>Sunlight exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a significant characteristic of microplastics classified as denser polymers?

    <p>They sink and settle at the channel bottom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the degree of weathering influence the distribution of microplastics in the environment?

    <p>It alters microplastic buoyancy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT directly related to the release of microplastics from household activities?

    <p>Cooking with glass containers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of freshwater microplastic concentrations, what range has been observed in studies across various continents?

    <p>0.01 to 3 g/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary environmental consequence associated with denser microplastics?

    <p>They cause lasting damage to the environment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of microplastics dominates in Wastewater Treatment Plants especially during the tourist season?

    <p>Fibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes a common domestic source of microplastic exposure?

    <p>Clothing with microfibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are microplastics primarily composed of in aquatic environments?

    <p>Plastic materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which group of products is associated with a higher risk of personal exposure to microplastics?

    <p>Cosmetics and toiletries</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key ecological risk posed by microplastics in aquatic ecosystems?

    <p>Disruption of food chains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are humans primarily exposed to microplastics from domestic products?

    <p>Via consumption of contaminated food</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant factor contributes to the rise of microplastics during tourist seasons?

    <p>Elevated wastewater generation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the course aim for students to appreciate regarding the human health impacts of microplastics?

    <p>The human health risks from aquatic microplastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common misconception about the risks of microplastics in water?

    <p>They do not enter the human food chain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the learning outcomes of the course related to microplastics?

    <p>To appreciate the ecological risks of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical concentration of microplastics found in bottled water?

    <p>94 pieces/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much microplastics does an individual approximately consume annually from food and drink alone?

    <p>52,000 pieces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What additional factor causes the total estimated annual consumption of microplastics to increase?

    <p>Inhalable microplastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of microplastics often found in domestic food with additives?

    <p>0.10–1.48 pieces/g</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do microplastics primarily enter human consumers through the food chain?

    <p>Consumption of contaminated seafood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can lead to the accumulation of microplastics in both aquatic and terrestrial organisms?

    <p>The size of microplastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the ratio of microplastic concentration between bottled water and tap water?

    <p>1:20</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which environment is less likely to be associated with microplastics, based on their prevalence in food?

    <p>Desert ecosystems</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the potential range of microplastics concentrations in tap water?

    <p>2.1–4 pieces/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what form do microplastics also contribute to human exposure through air?

    <p>Inhalable particles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is considered the main source of microplastics for humans through ingestion?

    <p>Seafood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of salt has the highest concentration of microplastics per kilogram?

    <p>Sea salt</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the size range of microplastics found in soft drinks?

    <p>0.1–3 mm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many microplastic items does a family consuming mollusks ingest yearly?

    <p>27,825 items</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the size range of microplastics found in bottled water?

    <p>6.5–20 μm</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the primary industrial activities contributing to the release of microplastics into the environment?

    <p>Cutting or grinding of plastic materials</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the breakdown process that leads to the formation of microplastics?

    <p>Breakdown via UV radiation and mechanical agents</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which household activity is a significant source of plastic fibers entering the environment?

    <p>Washing clothes in washing machines</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key contributor to microplastic pollution from road traffic?

    <p>Abrasion of tyres on the road</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which economic group is responsible for a significant amount of tyre-related microplastic emissions annually?

    <p>The European Union</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What activity related to personal care products is known to contribute to microplastic pollution?

    <p>Using products with microbeads and exfoliants</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is NOT a typical pathway for the origins of microplastics?

    <p>Plant breakdown during composting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What human activity is a significant source of freshwater microplastics?

    <p>Agricultural runoff</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT influence the temporal distribution of microplastics?

    <p>Population density</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the range of microplastic concentrations observed in freshwater sources across continents?

    <p>0.01 to 3 g/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of microplastic is of particular concern due to its prevalence in laundry simulations?

    <p>Fibrous microplastics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How do denser polymers behave in freshwater environments compared to less dense ones?

    <p>They sink and settle at the channel bottom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What annual amount of plastic waste is estimated to be released into the environment?

    <p>4.8 – 12.7 million t</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a physical characteristic affecting microplastic distribution?

    <p>Sediment type</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of land cover is strongly linked to the spatial distribution of microplastics?

    <p>Agricultural land cover</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What notable impact does the timing and volume of precipitation have on microplastic concentration?

    <p>Modulates resuspension of particles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of microplastics is primarily contributed by laundry effluent?

    <p>Fibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following human activities is directly linked to personal exposure to microplastics?

    <p>Washing synthetic clothing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one of the ecological risks associated with microplastics in aquatic environments?

    <p>Disruption of fish migrations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which household product is commonly associated with the generation of microplastics?

    <p>Synthetic personal care items</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a notable consequence of the increase in tourism regarding microplastics?

    <p>Higher levels of microplastics in wastewater</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which microplastic type is predominantly used in the production of clothing?

    <p>Microfibers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What health risk is associated with human exposure to aquatic microplastics?

    <p>Reproductive toxicity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How can microplastics enter the human body apart from ingestion?

    <p>Through dermal absorption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor contributes significantly to human exposure to microplastics during daily activities?

    <p>Washing habits of synthetic fabrics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect do microplastics have on aquatic organisms?

    <p>Toxic accumulation in tissues</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the maximum concentration of microplastics found in bottled water per liter?

    <p>94 pieces/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many microplastic pieces does an individual consume yearly from food and drink alone?

    <p>52,000 pieces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the concentration range of microplastics found in domestic food with additives?

    <p>0.10–1.48 pieces/g</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What additional factor increases the annual microplastic consumption figure when considering inhalable particles?

    <p>Inhalation of airborne particles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concentration of microplastics can tap water have at its maximum?

    <p>4.2 pieces/L</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What predominant pathway allows microplastics to accumulate in human consumers?

    <p>Food chain transfer</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the estimated total microplastic consumption per individual when including inhalable particles?

    <p>121,000 pieces</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following beverages is likely to contain larger microplastic particles compared to others?

    <p>Bottled water</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements best describes the accumulation of microplastics in aquatic organisms?

    <p>Microplastics are readily accumulated through the food chain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the factor that causes bottled water to have a higher concentration of microplastics compared to tap water?

    <p>Manufacturing processes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Freshwater Microplastic Pollution and Management

    • Freshwater bodies are contaminated by microplastics.
    • Sources of microplastics include personal care products, washing machines, tumble dryers, plastic packaging, tyre abrasion and industrial activities.
    • Top emitting nations include the European Union and the USA.
    • Plastic breakdown releases microplastic fragments into the environment.
    • Microplastics are classified by size (nano, micro, meso, macro, mega) and shape (pellet, fragment, fibre, film, foam, microbead).
    • Microplastics are distributed globally.
    • Distribution is affected by land cover, proximity to anthropogenic activities and timing of precipitation.
    • Characteristics of watersheds and streams affect microplastic distribution.
    • The concentration of microplastics in freshwater from different sources varies.
    • Microplastics in tap and bottled water.

    Introduction to Microplastics

    • The course provides definitions and classification of microplastics.
    • Course covers origins and global distribution of microplastics.
    • Learning outcomes include defining and classifying microplastics, identifying origins, and understanding global distribution.

    Module 1: Session A

    • This session covers the definition and classification of microplastics, their origins, and global distribution.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Define and classify microplastics.
    • Identify the origins of microplastics.
    • Understand the global distribution of microplastics.

    Introduction to Microplastics - Understanding Microplastics

    • Classification of plastic litter (nano, micro, meso, macro, mega), with corresponding sizes (µm, mm, cm, m).
    • Different shapes and sizes of microplastics are categorized in a diagram.

    Shape of Microplastics

    • Microplastic types based on size and shape (e.g., microplastic, mini-microplastic, nanoplastic)
    • Diagrams of different types of microplastics.

    Plastic Polymers

    • Examples, including polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (HDPE/LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyurethane (PUR), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

    The Origins of Microplastics - Household

    • Microplastics from personal care products or cosmetics.
    • Microplastics from washing machines, tumble dryers.
    • Microplastics from opening plastic packaging.

    The Origins of Microplastics - Tyre Abrasion

    • Microplastics from road traffic, washing into rivers/oceans
    • Emitting nations (e.g., European Union, USA).

    The Origins of Microplastics - Industry

    • Plastic cutting/grinding.
    • Styrofoam release from fishing industry.
    • Preproduction pellets released due to handling during packing and shipping.

    The Origins of Microplastics - Degradation

    • Breakdown of larger plastics into small particles via radiation, mechanical, or chemical agents.
    • Quantity of plastic waste released into the environment (million tonnes per year.)

    Global Distribution of Freshwater Microplastics

    • Map of freshwater contamination levels.
    • Sources that affect distribution of microplastics.

    Global Distribution of Microplastics

    • Microplastic distribution impacted by land-based human activities, rainfall, and intense flows during wet seasons.
    • Microplastic distribution impacted by dry periods in rivers.

    Spatial Distribution

    • Land cover and anthropogenic activities.
    • Proximity to anthropogenic activities.
    • Temporal Distribution - Timing and volume of precipitation.

    Global Distribution of Microplastics

    • Anthropogenic activities, urban land cover, wastewater treatment plants, agricultural land cover, and microplastics in remote regions.
    • Distribution is affected by factors like population density.

    Global Distribution of Microplastics

    • Physical watershed/stream characteristics (e.g., slope of riparian zone, density of polymers).
    • How different polymers behave (float/sink).
    • Differences in spatial distribution of microplastics because of factors like weather, seasonality and runoff.

    Global Distribution of Microplastics

    • Factors affecting temporal distribution (precipitation, seasonal variation, storm runoff, flow velocity/discharge).

    Global Distribution of Microplastics

    • Prevalent microplastic species include PVC and polyester.
    • Fibrous microplastics prevalent in the period from 2018 to 2022.
    • High levels determined from lab laundry simulations and wool textiles in household washing.

    Global Distribution of Microplastics

    • Studies from different regions show microplastic concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 3 g/L in freshwater.
    • The final distribution of microplastics is affected by factors like weathering, and rate of aging.
    • Denser types may cause more lasting environmental damage.

    Global Distribution of Microplastics

    • Tourism contributes to microplastic generation, particularly during tourist season in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP).
    • Microplastic fibers and fragments often found in laundry effluent.

    Module 1: Session 2

    • This session covers aquatic microplastics, human exposure, human health risks, and ecological risks in aquatic ecosystems.
    • Learning outcomes include understanding human exposure to aquatic microplastics, appreciating the human health risks, and appreciating the ecological risks.

    Aquatic Microplastics and Human Exposure—Occurrence and Risk

    • Human exposure to microplastics also happens through direct contact via personal care products like hand cleansers, facial/body scrubs, face masks, and toothpaste.
    • Microplastics are found in tap water and significantly higher levels in bottled water.
    • Microplastics transfer up the food chain to humans.

    Aquatic Microplastics and Human Exposure—Occurrence and Risk

    • Content of microplastics varies in tap water and bottled water.
    • Microplastics have small sizes which means they are easily accumulated in aquatic organisms and terrestrial organisms, and they are transferred via food chain and end up in consumers.
    • Microplastics present in food and drinks from different sources

    Aquatic Microplastics and Human Exposure—Occurrence and Risk

    • Microplastics in domestic food with microplastic additives range from 0.10 to 1.48 pieces per gram.
    • People consume an average of 52,000 pieces per year from drinking and food. 121,000, counting inhalable MPs.
    • The presence of microplastics is ubiquitous and inescapable, therefore humans are largely exposed in everyday environments and items.

    Aquatic Microplastics and Human Exposure—Occurrence and Risk- Human Exposure Routes

    • Exposure routes include ingestion, inhalation, and dermal penetration.
    • Seafood is a notable source of ingested microplastics.
    • Yearly consumption of microplastics per family unit is notable (e.g., mollusks , crustaceans, and fish).

    Aquatic Microplastics and Human Exposure—Occurrence and Risk- Human Exposure Routes

    • Microplastics are found in various types of salt. In water from groundwater sources.
    • The size of microplastics in soft drinks, cold teas, and energy drinks is noticeable compared with other sources of microplastic.

    Aquatic Microplastics and Human Exposure—Occurrence and Risk

    • Factors that influence microplastic ingestion include direct release from food packaging and migration of chemical plasticizers from packaging to food.
    • Size of microplastics in seafood (38.2-820 μm) and in canned seafood (up to 3800 μm).

    Applied Microplastics and Human Exposure—Human Exposure Routes

    • Microplastic particles can enter through the skin, passing through epidermal layers and reaching the microcirculation of the dermis.
    • Microplastics are transported through the circulatory system.

    Applied Microplastics and Human Exposure—Human Exposure Routes

    • Dermal absorption often occurs when using personal care products such as hand cleansers, facial/body scrubs, face masks, and toothpastes.
    • Large human skin area (1.5-2m²) makes exposure to ubiquitous MPs a concerning factor

    Human Health Risks of Aquatic Microplastics- Toxic Chemical Additives

    • Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, triclosan, bisphenone, organotins, and brominated flame retardants (BFR).
    • These toxic chemicals affect human health.

    Human Health Risks of Aquatic Microplastics

    • Four morphological and chemical characteristics (physical, chemical composition, metabolism, or degradation) of microplastics influence potential hazards.
    • The presence of these factors influence potential hazards.

    Human Health Risks of Aquatic Microplastics

    • Toxic effects (e.g., inflammation) depend on dose, dose rate, duration of exposure.
    • Uptakes through the gastrointestinal tract, with particles below 50 μm.

    Human Health Risks of Aquatic Microplastics - Examples

    • Larger polystyrene particles (202-535 nm) cause inflammation in human lungs.
    • Polyethylene components in prostheses that wear and tear, causing debris.

    Human Health Risks of Aquatic Microplastics - Other Examples

    • Oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by different polystyrene nanoparticles.
    • Oral exposure to microplastics in mice causing liver inflammation, neurotoxic responses, reduced body and liver weights, and altered metabolism.

    Human Health Risks of Aquatic Microplastics- Metabolic Homeostasis

    • Microplastics can impair cellular metabolism in both in vitro and in vivo models.
    • Pregnant mice exposed to microplastics develop changes.
    • Gut microbiota and intestinal barrier are negatively affected.

    Human Health Risks of Aquatic Microplastics- Metabolic Homeostasis

    • Nonylphenol and BPA found in aquatic biota from ingestion.
    • BPA leaching from food containers and beverages.
    • BPA exposure leads to several diseases.

    Human Health Risks of Aquatic Microplastics - BPA

    • BPA (Bisphenol A) affects numerous areas of human health, like the hormonal system, disrupting endocrine balance.
    • BPA causes hormonal disruption (agonist for estrogen receptors, antagonist for thyroid hormones).
    • BPA affects fetal brain development, modifying reproductive and neurological functions.

    Human Health Risks of Aquatic Microplastics - PVC and Plastisol

    • PVC polymers and plastisol often contain phthalates.
    • Phthalates have been linked to various health problems, including abnormal sexual development, changes in sex hormone levels, and birth defects.

    Ecological Risks of Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems

    • Aquatic organisms mostly ingest small-sized microplastics, with small sizes facilitating easy entry into bodies.
    • Fibres and fragments are common types.
    • Coloured and black microplastics are easily swallowed.

    Ecological Risks of Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems

    • Microplastics detected in fish samples from Lake Victoria, Ziway Lake, and Italian Lakes.
    • MP abundance in fish in Ethiopia was higher in wet seasons.

    Ecological Risks of Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems- Other Examples

    • Microplastics inhibit algal photosynthesis mainly through light shielding effects, increased turbidity, cell internalization, and adhesion to cell walls.
    • Consumers are central to biogeochemical processes in lake ecosystems (energy transfer, material exchange).

    Ecological Risks of Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems- Other Examples Pt 2

    • Microplastics act as carriers for organic pollutants (e.g., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PCBs).
    • PCBs concentration might increase by a magnitude from water to various aquatic organisms.

    Ecological Risks of Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems- Other Examples Pt3

    • Microplastics adsorb organic and inorganic substances providing nutrients to microorganisms.
    • Microbial dissemination and gene exchange accelerated under these conditions.

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    This quiz explores the issue of microplastic pollution in freshwater bodies, detailing its sources, classified types, and global distribution. It also highlights the influence of human activities and environmental characteristics on microplastic concentrations in water sources. Test your knowledge on this pressing environmental issue.

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