micro-plastic

This term describes plastic particles that are less than 5 millimetres in size as opposed to macro-plastic particles which are 5 millimetres or more. Micro-plastics are less well-known because they are difficult to detect. Identified in the 1970s, it was not until the 200s that they were thoroughly studied. It was then established that the majority of plastics found in the North Pacific were microplastics and these seemed to be having an impact on the environment.