The microplastics are the result of disintegration of plastic products.

However, secondary microplastic may be produced when packaging ends up in nature.

The majority of microplastic in the oceans is secondary microplastic or comes from the abrasion of car tires and the washing of synthetic textiles.

Secondary microplastic debris found in surface layers of the Southern Ocean (c) British Antarctic Survey

Secondary microplastic debris found in surface layers of the Southern Ocean (Photo: British Antarctic Survey)

Secondary microplastics are small pieces resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items.

Secondary microplastics are created from degradation of larger plastic products such as single-use water bottles, fishing nets, and plastic bags.

An important source of secondary microplastics are fibre fragments which are released into the waste water during the washing of synthetic textiles.

These, in turn, come from sewage sludge applied to agricultural land as fertilizer, the diffuse release of secondary microplastics, and aerial deposition.

These, in turn, come from sewage sludge applied to agricultural land as fertilizer, the diffuse release of secondary microplastics, and aerial deposition.

An important source of microplastics is fibre fragments which are released into the wastewater during the washing of synthetic textiles.

An important source of secondary microplastics are fiber fragments that are released into the wastewater during the washing of synthetic textiles.

The abrasion of car tyres on roads and the washing of plastic-based clothing (outdoor textiles) are also sources of secondary microplastic.

Secondary microplastics are actually one of the big challenges facing the world today,” says Peter Ross, director of the Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Pollution Research Program.

Secondary microplastics, both particles and fibres, result from the breakdown of macroplastic debris, which is common throughout the world’s oceans (see15 for review) (Figures 3 and 4).

Secondary microplastics: Single-use plastics like forks, bags, straws and takeout containers also litter the environment, with 8 million tons washing into waterways each year.