Corrimal Beach AUSMAP microplastics data collection activity on 4 October

Microplastics Data Collection Activity - Corrimal Beach

Members and friends of Circular Plastics Illawarra collected data on microplastics at Corrimal Beach on Friday 4 October. The data will to contribute to the AUSMAP national survey being managed by the Total Environment Centre to help identify sources of pollution and potential solutions.

The survey was coordinated by Corrimal Rotary Club, who regularly survey the same beach to monitor trends over time.

Where do microplastics come from?

Karen Raubenheimer, Senior Lecturer at the University of Wollongong recently co-authored a journal article that explains where microplastics come from, why they are problematic and potential solutions. A report was published in online newsletter The Conversation (20/9/24).

Microplastics are defined as plastic particles 5mm or less in size. Some are intentionally added to products, such as microbeads in facial soaps. Others are produced unintentionally when bigger plastic items break down – for example, fibres released when you wash a polyester fleece jacket.

Studies have identified some of the main sources of microplastics as:

• cosmetic cleansers

• synthetic textiles

• vehicle tyres

• plastic-coated fertilisers

• plastic film used as mulch in agriculture

• fishing rope and netting

• “crumb rubber infill” used in artificial turf

• plastics recycling.

Microplastics have been detected in our drinking water, the food we eat and natural ecosystems. There are increasing concerns about their health and environmental impacts.

Read more here.