An emerging body of research about the risks posed by microplastics was facilitated by preliminary findings related to the ocean. New research identified a major plastic pollution problem on the famously beautiful beaches of Costa Rica, The Tico Times reports.

What's happening?

In 2004, British marine biologist Richard Thompson — who began noticing plastic fragments in marine environments around 1993 — coined the term "microplastics" in a study he co-authored.

Just over two decades later, humanity has learned quite a bit about this insidious form of plastic pollution, defined as plastic particulate matter that is 5 millimeters in size or smaller.

In Costa Rica, researchers have been investigating the extent of microplastic infiltration into its clear waters and volcanic sands, and their findings were unsettling.

The Tico Times referenced levels from the city of Puntarenas on the Pacific coast. According to the outlet, microplastic pollution levels on the beach were "as high as 2,934 particles per square meter."

The outlet contrasted that figure with estimates of average microplastic pollution levels from a 2010 review, which placed the rate at "2.76 particles per square meter."

Consequently, newer research identified levels orders of magnitude higher — thousands of times higher — than that prior figure.

Why are these findings concerning?

There is quite a lot we don't know about microplastics, their impact on humans, and their impact on the environment at large. 

But what we do know suggests their small size belies the dangers they pose. Once the issue of microplastics had a name, researchers began examining how they affect the human body. 

Microplastics have been linked to adverse effects on reproductive health, liver function, vascular systems, and cognition.

Environmentally, findings have been just as grim — microplastics aren't just in the ocean, they're also in freshwater (such as rivers and lakes) and soil, which affects the entire food chain.

Do you think sewage pollution is a major problem in America? Yes 👍 In most states 😢 In a few states 😣 No 👎 Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.

Juan Guillermo Sagot led the research into the extent of microplastic pollution in Costa Rica, and he described a sprawling problem.

"These plastics reach the ocean through multiple channels, and the worrying part is that they return to us through the food chain. It's no longer just an environmental concern; we're talking about public health," he said.

Attorney Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas spoke to TicosLand about the issue through a legal lens, emphasizing the necessity of direct international action to curb the risk.

"The pervasive nature of microplastic pollution presents a complex legal challenge. While international treaties address marine plastic debris, the enforcement and regulation of microplastics specifically are still developing," Arroyo Vargas observed.

What's being done about it?

As Arroyo Vargas said, microplastic pollution is a global problem requiring international cooperation and bold action.

At an individual level, using less plastic and avoiding plastic in everyday items helps limit direct exposure to microplastics while reducing the amount of them in the ocean, landfills, soil, and air.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.