Where microplastics come from

• fibres from some

  1

  clothing
   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

  2

  mouths
   of wildlife and affect their digestive systems

• They enter the food chain, e.g, in bottled and tap water,

  3

  salt
   and seafood.

• They may not affect human health, but they are already banned in skin cleaning products and

  4

  toothpaste
   in some countries.

• Microplastics enter the soil through the air, water and

  5

  fertilisers / fertilizers
  

Microplastics in the soil - a study by Anglia Ruskin University

• Earthworms are important because they add

  6

  nutrients
   to the soil.

• The study aimed to find whether microplastics in earthworms affect the

  7

  growth
   of plant.

• The study found that microplastics caused:

-

- fewer seeds to germinate

- a rise in the level of

The study concluded:

- soil should be seen as an important natural process

- changes to soil damage by ecosystems and