Microplastic is a common finding in all parts of the world. However, it is highly regarded as unsafe for both the environment and human health. Unfortunately, new studies show that microplastic has contaminated our Earth’s lakes, rivers, and oceans. According to a UK study, microplastic has even been found in remote areas, such as Scotland. Microplastic is not only harmful to the environment, but is deadly to marine life as well, who commonly mistake it for food. Microplastic also carries harmful bacteria. As time goes on, researchers are trying to figure out where microplastic is coming from in order to eliminate its accumulation from the Earth.

Key Takeaways:

• New studies have shown that microplastic pollution spans the world from contamination in the lakes and rivers of UK to groundwater in the US and Yangtze river in China.
• The tiny plastic found in polluted waters and food can be consumed by humans but the possible health effects on people and ecosystems have not been determined.
• Christian Dunn who led the study said that it was depressing that pollution could be found in even the most iconic places.

“More than 1,000 small pieces of plastic per litre were found in the River Tame, near Manchester, which was revealed last year as the most contaminated place yet tested worldwide.”

Read more: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/mar/07/microplastic-pollution-revealed-absolutely-everywhere-by-new-research