On any given day, you may see plastic pollution in a number of places, such as on the side of the road, or in a body of water. But, have you considered all of the plastic waste that you cannot see? Microplastics – a term that includes plastic particles that are 5 millimeters or smaller – are ubiquitous in the natural environment from our soils to the air we breathe. This episode features Lara Milligan, the Natural Resources Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Pinellas County, whose work focuses on wildlife, water, and general environmental education. Milligan discusses how microplastics end up in the environment, and the potential threats they pose. Listeners will learn practical ways to reduce the prevalence of microplastics.
Resources:
https://flseagrant.ifas.ufl.edu/microplastics
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/SS649
Take the Pledge: https://ufl.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1YBvyhI6dy1qnfD
Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript
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The views, information, or opinions expressed by guest speakers on Science by the Slice are solely those of the individuals and do not necessarily represent those of the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education or the University of Florida.