Research of microplastic content in experimental conditions

According to UNESCO, 8-10 million tons of microplastics enter the seas every year. Scientists estimate that there are currently between 50 and 75 trillion microplastics in the world's oceans [1], but other scientists believe that there could be between 82 and 358 trillion microplastics in the world's oceans. [6] According to Rosprirodnadzor, in 2022, the area of land covered by garbage in Russia was approximately 40,000 square kilometers. Despite the fact that experts estimate that Russia's contribution to ocean pollution is only 0.05%, even this small amount of microplastics has a negative impact on aquatic life. Microplastic particles come in various origins, sizes, shapes, and colors. They can carry various chemicals and bacteria on their surfaces. These microplastic particles can be found everywhere, including water systems, sediments, air, food, and even drinking water. This prevalence of microplastics raises concerns about their potential impact on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Predictions suggest that the concentration of microplastics will continue to rise unless there are drastic changes in the way plastic waste is managed [7]. The article presents research on the detection of microplastics using two methods: ecological and histological.