What are microplastics?

Microplastics, defined as plastic pieces smaller than 5 mm, have been identified in nearly every habitat on the planet. They are particularly abundant in aquatic ecosystems either as microbeads, fragments, or fibers that often form when larger pieces of plastic litter degrade into smaller pieces. The vast majority of microplastic particles are likely to never biodegrade naturally.

Where do microplastics come from?

It depends on the type of plastic. Microfibers (made of polyester, nylon, acrylic, and other synthetic fibers) come from clothing and textiles, often after they’ve been through a washer and dryer and end up as lint. Studies show that these tiny microplastic fibers make up 60% of the microplastic pollution in freshwater ecosystems. Other types of microplastic pollution can come from plastic bags, bottles, packaging material, car tires, and other everyday products. Some types of plastic degrade more quickly than others, meaning they’re more likely to eventually become microplastics.

What is the goal of Mapping Microplastics?

The goal of this citizen science initiative, Mapping Microplastics, is to connect people with the ecology of their local areas while contributing valuable data to our scientific understanding of microplastic pollution. This will help build a community of conservation advocates who actively understand the plastic pollution crisis and will support science-driven policy initiatives. This project will also produce a large quantity of data which can be freely shared with researchers, conservationists, students, and policy makers for analysis and evidence to support future studies.  Citizen scientists can offer a low-cost, high volume opportunity for researchers to gather more data points than they would be able to collect on their own through formal field methodology.

How can I participate?

Mapping Microplastics asks participants to test the presence or absence of microplastic pollution in their neighborhoods through rapid staining and fluorescence. These methods use Nile Red stain to identify plastic material in water samples. Water samples are filtered, stained, and then viewed for fluorescence under a blue light. Although the materials are inexpensive, some of the necessary equipment is likely not what you might have laying around your classroom, home, or lab. Mapping Microplastics has secured funding to send out pre-made citizen science kits with the non-standard materials (Nile Red Dye, blue lights, etc.) to individuals, classroom groups, and other interested parties. Check out the “We’re Recruiting Citizen Science Groups!” page to learn more. Additionally, if you are interested in participating and have the ability and desire to secure the necessary materials, use the Contact Us page to let us know you’d like to join the project and to receive a copy of the full activity procedures.