The report highlights that progress is being made to improve the biodegradability of polymers used in agricultural products. While some countries have banned these microspheres, other microplastics continue to enter our water systems via discarded cigarette filters, tire components, and synthetic clothing fibres.Ī girl runs through deserted farmland in Mynmar's Sagaing region. They also can affect plants by reducing root growth and nutrient uptake.Ĭurrently the single-biggest source of microplastic pollution in soil, is fertilizers produced from organic matter such as manure.Īlthough these can be cheaper and better for the environment that manufactured fertilizers, the manure is mixed with the same plastic microspheres that are known to be commonly used in certain soaps, shampoos, and makeup products. These microplastics can change the physical structure of the earth underfoot and limit its capacity to hold water. UNEP’s experts explain that over time, big pieces of plastic can break into shards less than 5 mm long and seep into the soil. Microplastics come in a large variety of sizes, colours and chemical compositions, and include fibres, fragments, pellets, flakes, sheets or foams.
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