Microplastics and Your Health Problems: Pollution

Welcome to Plastics and Microplastics — This book is a valuable resource for readers interested in understanding the complex impact of plastics and microplastics on marine ecosystems and human health. The book introduces the subject of microplastics, detailing their effects on both marine life and health through the food chain. The author extends gratitude to previous researchers and authors who have contributed significant reference works on microplastics.

Chapter Overview:

1. Chapter 1 introduces plastics and polymers, providing a brief history of plastics, their invention, processing methods, and applications.
2. Chapter 2 delves into the various types of plastics.
3. Chapter 3 covers foundational concepts of marine pollution, including eutrophication, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution.
4. Chapter 4 gives a preliminary overview of microplastics and microbeads, including web-based descriptions of both.
5. Chapter 5 explains how microplastics enter the ocean, defines marine debris, highlights plastic waste-generating countries, and outlines microplastic sampling.
6. Chapter 6 discusses notable ocean organizations and research institutes focused on marine pollution and microplastics.
7. Chapter 7 provides definitions of polymers, plastics, biodegradation, and resins, and introduces the resin identification code and key discoveries in the plastics industry.
8. Chapter 8 covers plastic additives and their health effects, particularly through food contamination.
9. Chapter 9 defines microplastics, nanoplastics, mesoplastics, microfibers, marine debris, nurdles, and microbeads. It also discusses sources, classifications, and plastic waste generation by country.
10. Chapter 10 addresses the causes and effects of plastic pollution.
11. Chapter 11 focuses specifically on the health impacts of plastics.
12. Chapter 12 details microplastic sampling and identification techniques.
13. Chapter 13 introduces the technology and objectives behind microplastic sensors.
14. Chapter 14 provides an overview of single-use plastics and strategies to reduce plastic pollution.

This book is an informative guide, ideal for students, researchers, and anyone concerned about the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution.