Microplastics
This is a revision from July 17, 2020 17:11.
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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?
Lead image from @maxliboiron's work
The "BabyLegs" trawl designed by @maxliboiron is a scientifically rigorous way to collect samples of microplastics out of water, for inspection with a microscope.
Questions
Activities
| Purpose | Category | Status | Author | Time | Difficulty | Replications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| How to analyze plastics forensically | - | - | @maxliboiron | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| How to use BabyLegs | - | - | @maxliboiron | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| Building BabyLegs (surface water trawl) | - | - | @maxliboiron | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| How to process microplastic samples from a trawl | - | - | @maxliboiron | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| Re3DP Trawl | - | - | @TestOurWaters | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| Nurdle Patrol’s 10-minute beach survey for plastic pellets | - | - | @bhamster | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| Bridge Trawl | - | - | @TestOurWaters | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| Build a low-magnification "dissection microscope" for microplastics | - | - | @warren | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| Sort and identify plastic polymer debris by density | - | - | @bhamster | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| BabyLegs in the classroom | - | - | @maxliboiron | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
| Testing Different Types of Water for Microplastics | - | - | @badgirlsclub | - | - | 0 replications: Try it » |
Activities should include a materials list, costs and a step-by-step guide to construction with photos. Learn what makes a good activity here.