Are Microplastics in Our Water Becoming a Macroproblem? | National Geographic

You might not be able to see them, but they re in the water. Although trash heaps are easier to spot in waterways, microplastics—pieces of plastic smaller than five millimeters—have started to stir more concern. Acting as sponges, the pieces soak up the chemicals around them and often make their way through the food chain, ending up on dinner plates. Most microplastics are created over time from larger pieces or directly from microbeads in products like face washes or toothpaste. The pieces are so small they pass through waste treatment plants and into waterways. ➡ Subscribe: http://bit.ly/NatGeoSubscribe About National Geographic: National Geographic is the world s premium destination for science, exploration, and adventure. Through their world-class scientists, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers, Nat Geo gets you closer to the stories that matter and past the edge of what s possible. Get More National Geographic: Official Site: http://bit.ly/NatGeoOfficialSite Facebook: http://bit.ly/FBNatGeo Twitter: http://bit.ly/NatGeoTwitter Instagram: http://bit.ly/NatGeoInsta VIDEOGRAPHER/EDITOR: Gabriella Garcia-Pardo SPECIAL THANKS: Nancy Donnelly, Julie Lawson, and District Fishwife ADDITIONAL FOOTAGE: NG Creative Are Microplastics in Our Water Becoming a Macroproblem? | National Geographic https://youtu.be/ZHCgA-n5wRw National Geographic https://www.youtube.com/natgeo