Microplastics are merging with bacteria and turning into large clumps in sea water, scientists have discovered. Glue-like molecules emitted by bacteria – called biopolymers – join with the plastic particles to form large masses. Scientists have warned that these ‘complex’ masses pose a threat to marine wildlife as they can easily mistake them for food.
From the Great Pacific garbage patch to inland rivers, plastics are among the most widespread contaminants on Earth. Microplastics—particles of plastic smaller than five millimeters—are especially pervasive. As they build up in Earth’s waters, microplastics are also becoming a permanent part of the planet’s sedimentary layers. Now, using the Great Lakes as a laboratory, sedimentary