Sunkissed Transformation of Plastics

Can UV rays be a solution to microplastic problems?

A warm hug from the sun is all we need in a cold, shivering atmosphere. But this warm hug can also cause skin cancer due to the penetration of UV rays from the sun. Well, thanks to sunscreens! Unfortunately, unlike humans, plastics don’t wear sunscreen — especially microplastics, which are adversely affected by these UV rays.

What are Microplastics?

Plastic pollution is one of the leading environmental issues today due to plastic’s high stability and slow degradation rates. These materials can persist for hundreds of years, and remain intact in the environment.

Over time, larger plastics can break down into small particles, ranging in size from millimeters to micrometers — about the thickness of a hair strand. These are known as Microplastics (MP). MP originate from various sources, such as the weathering and tearing of tires, fibers from clothing, and large plastic debris. They are also commonly found in health and beauty products like exfoliators and toothpaste, where they are referred to as microbeads.

The problem with MP is that their tiny size allows them to easily bypass water filtration systems and end up in oceans and other water bodies. Aquatic life and birds often…