New research from The University of Texas at Arlington reveals that microplastics continue to infiltrate waterways, even after undergoing modern wastewater treatment processes, raising serious environmental and health concerns.
Microplastics—tiny plastic particles measuring five millimeters or smaller, roughly the size of a pencil eraser—originate from the breakdown of larger plastic waste. Due to plastic’s affordability, durability, and lightweight properties, it is widely used across industries, from food packaging to clothing and personal care products. However, once discarded, plastic materials never fully decompose; instead, they fragment into microplastics that contaminate soil and water sources.
The study underscores the urgent need for new filtration technologies and environmental policies aimed at mitigating the spread of microplastics. As plastic consumption continues to grow globally, addressing microplastic pollution becomes critical for protecting both ecosystems and public health…