Microplastics Crisis Demands More Than Just Ocean Cleanups and Biodegradables, Says Expert

In 2004, Professor Richard Thompson, a marine biologist from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom, coined the term "microplastics."

In the world of environmental science, the discovery of microplastics has significantly altered our understanding of pollution and its impact on ecosystems. Among the pioneers in this field is biologist Richard Thompson, who identified microplastics three decades ago.

As reported by The Guardian, it was in September 1993 that Richard Thompson observed an intriguing sight during a beach cleanup on the Isle of Man. Thousands of multicolored fragments, resembling sand, caught his attention. Subsequent research into these particles led Thompson, in a brief 2004 study co-authored with Professor Andrea Russell at Southampton University, to coin the term "microplastics" for the first time.

Addressing the issue of microplastics, some proponents advocate for solutions such as ocean cleanups and the use of biodegradables. However, it's crucial to critically examine the efficacy and limitations of these approaches in combating the widespread presence of microplastics in the environment.