Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long. Common sources have included larger plastic objects that break down into smaller pieces, and tiny plastic beads added to exfoliating personal care products like cleansers and toothpaste. When microplastics end up in our waterways and the ocean, they can be harmful to aquatic life. Source: [NOAA, What are microplastics?](https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html)

Lead image from @maxliboiron's [work](/questions/maxliboiron/07-19-2018/how-to-analyze-plastics-forensically)

The "[BabyLegs](/wiki/babylegs)" trawl designed by @maxliboiron is a scientifically rigorous way to collect samples of microplastics out of water, for inspection with a [microscope](/micro).

###Questions
[questions:microplastics]

###Activities
[activities:microplastics]

###Research notes
[notes:microplastics]