I.

Microplastics in Our Drinking Water

a. Found in Water Forms

i. Lakes

ii. Rivers

iii. Groundwater Aquifers

b. Ingested Microplastics

i. Can be released

ii. No one knows how long

II. Composition of Plastics

a. Petroleum-based Ingredients

b. Polyvinyl Chloride

i. Can Cause Cancer

c. Phthalates

i. Used to soften some types of plastics

ii. Can mimic the activity of hormones

III. Plastics Soaks Up Pollution

a. Pesticides DDT and PCBs

i. Toxic Pollution

ii. Found in plastics floating around the ocean

IV. Plastics’ Negative Effect

a. Found in Animals and Habitats

i. Fish

ii. Birds

iii. Corals

iv. Other Aquatic Animals

b. Do not provide energy and nutrients

SUMMARY

There are microplastics found in many water forms which is the source of our drinking water. We

can ingest these microplastics, it can be released from our body but no one knows how long it takes.

Plastics are composed of different elements: petroleum-based ingredients, polyvinyl chloride, and

phthalates. All of these ingredients are harmful, some can even cause cancer.

On the other hand, plastics also have a bit of benefit. It is like a sponge that soaks up the pollution

in water. Like the pesticides DDT and PCBs. The plastics floating around the ocean have shown that they

have these pesticides in them. But unfortunately, plastics also turn up in fishes, birds, corals, and other

aquatic animals. It does not give any benefit nor provide energy and nutrients.