Microplastic research

What you need to know

20 years microplastic research

Twenty years of microplastic research: what we know now

Over the past twenty years, international researchers have made significant progress in understanding microplastics and their environmental impact. These tiny plastic particles, first coined as ‘microplastics’ in 2004, have now become a global problem. They are found everywhere in the environment, from the deepest oceans to our food, and even in the human body.

The first studies on microplastics date back to the 1970s, but it wasn’t until twenty years ago that the term ‘microplastics’ was officially introduced. Since then, the amount of plastic in the oceans has increased by approximately 50%, and the scale of pollution continues to grow. These particles, smaller than five millimeters, come from various sources such as tire wear, textile fibers, cosmetics, and the breakdown of larger plastic items.

Microplastics in our environment

Microplastics are found everywhere: in the atmosphere, water, and in more than 1,300 species of animals and plants across both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They have infiltrated the food chain and have even been detected in human tissues, indicating significant risks for both ecosystems and public health. Professor Richard Thompson from the University of Plymouth, a pioneer in microplastic research, warned of the widespread harm these particles cause. “Microplastics cause physical harm to wildlife, impact societies and cultures, and there is growing evidence of their harm to humans,” Thompson explained.

Better understanding of ecological risks

Thanks to two decades of research, scientists have developed more accurate methods to calculate the risks of microplastics to ecosystems. The Wageningen University has created new measurement and calculation techniques that help determine which species in an ecosystem are most affected by microplastics and to what extent. This understanding is crucial for identifying which species are at risk and for providing policymakers with concrete data to take effective measures.

Professor Bart Koelmans of the WUR highlighted that the major advancement is the ability to calculate the percentage of a species in an ecosystem affected by microplastics. These methods are now being expanded to assess the risks to humans.

Policy and the path forward

Despite the abundance of scientific data, national legislation alone is insufficient to address the problem of microplastic pollution. According to researchers, the United Nations Plastic Pollution Treaty, which will enter its fifth round of negotiations in November 2024, presents a unique opportunity for international cooperation. Global action is essential to stop the spread of microplastics in the environment.

Innovative solutions are needed, such as improved waste management and new production processes, along with stricter regulations to significantly reduce the production and use of plastics. Additionally, consumers should be encouraged to limit their plastic use by choosing products with less or reusable packaging.

The future of microplastics

The outlook is concerning: if nothing changes, microplastic concentrations are expected to double by 2040. This could cause widespread ecological damage and further increase risks to human health. However, there is hope that with the right measures and global cooperation, the damage can be mitigated.

After two decades of intensive research, much more is known about the sources and distribution of microplastics, as well as potential solutions. However, many questions remain, especially regarding their impact on human health and the effectiveness of policies. Continued research efforts are essential to fully understand the effects of microplastics and to develop effective solutions.

The next decade will be crucial. By acting now, we can limit the damage caused by microplastics and work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Sources: a.o. WUR, United Nations Plastic Pollution Treaty

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