microplastics
noun [ plural ] uk/ˈmaɪ.krəʊˌplæs.tɪks/ us/ˈmaɪ.kroʊˌplæs.tɪks/ (also microplastic [ U ])
微塑料，塑料微粒
extremely small pieces of plastic that are harmful to the environment, used in cosmetics (= substances put on the face or body to improve appearance), or formed when plastic waste material breaks down
Microplastics typically come from plastic used in exfoliating face and body products. 塑料微粒通常来自用于去角质的面部和身体产品中所含的塑料。
- More examples
- Tiny fragments of 5 mm or less are called microplastics and are particularly dangerous as they can absorb toxic chemicals which are transported to marine animals when ingested.
- The group plans to investigate how the microbial interaction with microplastics varies across different habitats within the coastal seabed.
- An example of a larger product that turns into microplastic over time could be a plastic bag that is degraded to smaller and smaller pieces in the course of months or years.
- Due to its size and variety of sources, the characterization of microplastic is even more complex than for large plastic debris.