Handbook of Microplastics

Handbook of Microplastics provides a wealth of information on what these materials are, how they are proliferating, their geographical distribution, chemical components, morphology, and their physical characteristics, including the various forms they take in different environments. The mechanisms of microplastic formation are discussed, as are methods for detecting and analyzing them, with emphasis placed on the importance of accurate identification in assessing their impact. Key commercial products that are significant sources of microplastics are identified, raising awareness about consumer choices and their environmental consequences. The formation, properties, and hazards of microplastics from various polymers are also covered, as are the environmental impact of microplastics, including their presence in air, water, and soil, leading into an examination of the potential effects on human health and wildlife, including plants, animals, insects, and organisms in aquatic habitats. The book concludes with coverage of microplastics in the food chain, policy measures aimed at combating microplastic pollution, and methods for reducing, eliminating, and preventing microplastic, stressing the urgency of innovative solutions and collective action.

• Provides insights into what defines a microplastic, their proliferation and alarming presence, and geographical distribution
• Discusses the chemical components of microplastics, examining their original materials and those that result from degradation processes
• Analyzes their morphology, physical characteristics, and the various forms microplastics take in different environments
• Outlines methods for detecting and analyzing microplastics, emphasizing the importance of accurate identification in assessing their impact