History of Microplastics in Timeline
Microplastics are synthetic polymer particles, ranging from 1 μm to 5 mm, that are insoluble in water. They originate from primary or secondary manufacturing processes. These particles pose a threat to both human health and the environment due to the harmful chemicals they contain, which can leach into the air, water, and food supply, leading to contamination and potential adverse effects.
1960: Increase in Plastic Pellet Production in the United States
In 1960, the production of plastic pellets in the United States was at 2.9 million pellets.
1970: Commercial Shipping Fleets Dumped Plastic Waste
In 1970, commercial shipping fleets around the world dumped over 23,000 tons of plastic waste into the marine environment.
1987: Increase in Plastic Pellet Production in the United States
By 1987, plastic pellet production in the United States had increased to 21.7 million pellets.
1987: Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act
In 1987, the Marine Plastic Pollution Research and Control Act prohibited discharge of plastics in the sea in the United States, including from naval vessels.
1988: International Agreement Prohibiting Dumping of Waste from Ships
In 1988, an international agreement (MARPOL 73/78, Annex V) prohibited the dumping of waste from ships into the marine environment.
1998: Microplastic Fibers as Indicator of Sewage Sludge
A 1998 study suggested that microplastic fibers would be a persistent indicator of sewage sludges and wastewater treatment plant outfalls.
2004: Introduction of the term "microplastics"
In 2004, the term "microplastics" was introduced by Professor Richard Thompson, a marine biologist at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom.
2008: International Research Workshop Conclusion
In 2008, an International Research Workshop at the University of Washington at Tacoma concluded that microplastics were a problem in the marine environment due to their occurrence, long residence times, likely buildup, and ingestion by marine organisms.
2009: Plastic Found in Antarctic Sea Ice
In 2009, plastic was found in Antarctic sea ice for the first time, with 96 microplastic particles from 14 different types of polymers in an ice core sampled from east Antarctica.
2009: Human Microplastic Intake Assessed
In 2009, the mean/median intake of microplastics in humans was assessed to be at levels considered safe for most, although some individuals occasionally exceeded these limits. The potential effects of exceeding these limits were unknown at the time.
2010: Uncertainties Regarding Microplastic Exposure in Humans
As of 2010, there was a lack of clarity regarding the degree of absorption and retention of microplastics from air, water, and food that humans consumed as the end of the food chain.
2011: First Study on Microplastics in Freshwater Ecosystems
The first study on microplastics in freshwater ecosystems was published in 2011 and found an average of 37.8 fragments per square meter of Lake Huron sediment samples.
July 2012: Nurdle Spillage off the Coast near Hong Kong
On 24 July 2012, 150 tonnes of nurdles and other raw plastic material spilled from a shipping vessel off the coast near Hong Kong after a major storm. This waste from the Chinese company Sinopec was reported to have piled up in large quantities on beaches.
August 9, 2012: Haiti Prohibits Plastic Bags and Polystyrene
On August 9, 2012, the Haitian government published a decree that prohibits the production, importation, marketing and use, of polyethylene bags and expanded polystyrene objects for foodstuffs.
2012: WHO projection of Deaths due to Air Pollution
In 2012, the World Health Organization projected that air pollution could lead to 3 million deaths.
February 2013: EPA Launches Trash-Free Waters Initiative
In February 2013, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) launched its "Trash-Free Waters" initiative to prevent single-use plastic wastes from ending up in waterways and the ocean.
April 2013: The Garbage Patch State Founded
In April 2013, Italian artist Maria Cristina Finucci founded The Garbage Patch State under the patronage of UNESCO and the Italian Ministry of the Environment to raise awareness about plastic pollution.
July 10, 2013: Haiti Reinforces Ban on Polystyrene
On July 10, 2013, a second decree was published in Haiti to once again prohibit "the importation, production or sale of expanded polystyrene articles for food use".
2014: Estimation of Microplastic Quantity in Oceans
In 2014, it was estimated that there were between 15 and 51 trillion individual pieces of microplastic in the world's oceans, weighing between 93,000 and 236,000 metric tons.
December 2015: Microbead-Free Waters Act Enacted in the US
In December 2015, the Microbead-Free Waters Act 2015 was enacted in the US, banning "rinse-off" cosmetic products that perform an exfoliating function.
2015: Prevalence of Microplastics in Sea Salts
A 2015 review found microplastics were much more prevalent in sea salts compared to lake, rock, or well salts.
2015: Shift to Metallized-Plastic Glitter in Cosmetics
After the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, many industries shifted towards using FDA-approved "rinse-off" metallized-plastic glitter as their primary abrasive agent in toothpaste and rinse-off cosmetic products.
2015: Norwegian Environment Agency Review on Microplastics
In 2015, a Norwegian Environment Agency review report about microplastics suggested classifying certain sources as primary microplastics if they originate from human activity and product use.
2016: Microplastic Removal During Primary Treatment Stage
A 2016 study showed that most microplastics are removed during the primary treatment stage of wastewater treatment plants where solid skimming and sludge settling are used.
July 2017: Microbead-Free Waters Act Takes Effect for Manufacturing
On July 1, 2017, the Microbead-Free Waters Act took effect with respect to manufacturing of rinse-off cosmetic products containing microbeads.
2017: Study on Indoor Airborne Microfiber Concentrations
A 2017 study found indoor airborne microfiber concentrations between 1.0 and 60.0 microfibers per cubic meter, with 33% found to be microplastics.
2017: Microplastics in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch
According to a 2017 IUCN report, microplastics could contribute up to 30% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch and are a bigger source of marine plastic pollution than larger pieces in many developed countries.
2017: Estimation of Microplastic Ingestion from Seafood
According to a 2017 estimate, a person who consumes seafood will ingest 11,000 bits of microplastics per year.
2017: England Regulations Ban Microbeads
In 2017, The Environmental Protection (Microbeads) (England) Regulations banned the production of rinse-off personal care products containing microbeads. This law includes specific penalties for non-compliance, such as fines and stop notices.
2017: Microplastics Found on Seagrass in Belize
In 2017, marine biologists discovered that three-quarters of the underwater seagrass in the Turneffe Atoll off the coast of Belize had microplastic fibers, shards, and beads stuck to it. The plastic pieces had been overgrown by epibionts. This discovery highlights the presence of microplastics in aquatic plant life and their potential impact on the barrier reef ecosystem.
2017: Smallest Microplastic Detected in Oceans
In 2017, the smallest microplastic reportedly detected in the oceans was 1.6 micrometres (6.3×10−5 in) in diameter.
January 2018: Haiti Deploys Brigade to Enforce Polystyrene Ban
In January 2018, in support of the second decree, the ministries of the Environment, Justice and Public Security, Trade and Industry as well as the Economy and Finance announced in a note published that specialists from the brigade will be deployed on the territory to force the application of the said decree.
April 2018: European Commission Reviews Microplastic Pollution
In April 2018, the European Commission initiated a comprehensive review of the scientific evidence on microplastic pollution through the EU's Scientific Advice Mechanism. This review was conducted by a working group of European academies.
June 2018: Japan Passes Microplastic Reduction Bill
On 15 June 2018, the Japanese government passed a bill aimed at reducing microplastic production and pollution, particularly in aquatic environments. This is the first bill in Japan specifically targeting microplastic reduction, particularly in personal care products. The law, revised from previous legislation, focuses on increasing education and public awareness.
July 2018: Microplastic Reduction Amendment Passed by U.S. House
In July 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a microplastic reduction amendment as part of the Save Our Seas Act. This legislation supports the NOAA's Marine Debris Program, specifically the Great Lakes Land-Based Marine Debris Action Plan, aiming to increase testing, cleanup, and education regarding plastic pollution in the Great Lakes.
July 2018: Microbead-Free Waters Act Takes Effect for Interstate Commerce
On July 1, 2018, the Microbead-Free Waters Act took effect with respect to introduction or delivery for introduction into interstate commerce of rinse-off cosmetic products containing microbeads.
October 2018: Save Our Seas Act Signed Into Effect
In October 2018, President Donald Trump signed the re-authorization and amendment bill of the Save Our Seas Act into effect. This act included the microplastic reduction amendment previously passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.
2018: EPA Collaborates on Trash Reduction in the Caribbean
As of 2018, the EPA collaborated with the United Nations Environment Programme–Caribbean Environment Programme (UNEP-CEP) and the Peace Corps to reduce and remove trash in the Caribbean Sea. EPA also funded projects to reduce single-use plastics in the San Francisco Bay Area.
2018: China Bans Import of Recyclables
In 2018, China banned the import of recyclables from other countries, forcing those other countries to re-examine their recycling schemes. The Yangtze River in China contributes significantly to plastic waste in the seas.
2018: Clean Oceans Initiative Launched
In 2018, the European Investment Bank, Agence Française de Développement and KfW Entwicklungsbank launched the Clean Oceans Initiative to provide up to €2 billion to projects that removed pollution from waterways (focusing on macroplastics and microplastics) before it reached the oceans.
2018: Microplastic Bioaccumulation in Humans Documented
Up to 2018 it was unknown whether and to what degree microplastics bioaccumulated in humans, however accumulation of microplastics and nanoplastics in human tissues has since been documented, with higher proportions of polyethylene harbored in brain compared to the liver or kidney.
January 2019: ECHA Proposes Restriction on Intentionally Added Microplastics
In January 2019, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) proposed a restriction on intentionally added microplastics to reduce their environmental impact.
January 2019: Delivery of Evidence Review on Microplastics
In January 2019, the evidence review commissioned by the European Commission's Group of Chief Scientific Advisors, which was conducted by a working group nominated by European academies, was delivered. It was based on the SAPEA report.
2019: Microplastics in Sugar, Salt, and Bottled Water
A 2019 study found a kilo of sugar had 440 microplastic particles, a kilo of salt contained 110 particles, and a litre of bottled water contained 94 particles.
2019: Microplastic Biofilms Increase Pathogen Spread
A 2019 study found that biofilms on microplastics provide a habitat for colonization, increasing overlap between species and spreading pathogens and antibiotic-resistant genes through horizontal gene transfer. This facilitates the movement of pathogens to new locations, potentially spreading disease.
2019: EU Review Highlights Uncertainty in Human Health Risks
According to a 2019 review by the European Union's Scientific Advice Mechanism, there was limited understanding of the human health risks associated with nano- and microplastics, and what was known was uncertain due to research quality and methodology. Scientists also estimated that annual microplastic consumption was approximately 39,000 to 52,000 plastic particles for the average person.
2019: EU Scientific Advice Mechanism Review of Microplastics
According to a comprehensive review of scientific evidence published by the European Union's Scientific Advice Mechanism in 2019, microplastics were present in every part of the environment and risks were likely to become widespread within a century if pollution continued at its current rate.
2019: Fionn Ferreira Develops Microplastic Removal Device
In 2019, Fionn Ferreira, winner of the Google Science Fair, developed a device for removing microplastic particles from water using a ferrofluid.
2019: Global Plastic Production
In 2019, plastic world production was 368 million tonnes, with 51% produced in Asia. China created 31% of the world total.
2019: Microplastics Found in Amphibians and Birds
In 2019, the first European records of microplastic items were reported in amphibians' stomach content, specifically in the common European newt. Microplastics were also found in common blackbirds and song thrushes, highlighting the widespread presence of microplastics in terrestrial environments.
February 2020: Face Masks Found in Ocean in Hong Kong
In February 2020, Oceans Asia reported the presence of face masks of different types and colors in an ocean in Hong Kong.
June 2020: California Adopts Definition of Microplastics in Drinking Water
On June 16, 2020, California adopted a definition of 'microplastics in drinking water', establishing a foundation for studying their contamination and human health effects.
October 2020: Cassa Depositi e Prestiti and Instituto de Crédito Oficial Join Clean Oceans Initiative
In October 2020, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP) and the Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) became new partners in the Clean Oceans Initiative, expanding its reach and financial capacity.
2020: Microplastics Detected in Freshwater Systems Worldwide
As of 2020, microplastics have been detected in freshwater systems across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australia, as well as in remote high mountain environments. Samples taken across 29 Great Lakes tributaries in the United States contained microplastics, demonstrating widespread microplastic pollution.
2020: Plastics Found in Deep Ocean Sediment
In 2020, deep layer ocean sediment surveys in China revealed the presence of plastics in deposition layers far older than the invention of plastics, suggesting a potential underestimation of microplastics in surface sample ocean surveys and a longer history of plastic pollution than previously understood.
2020: Microplastic Ingestion via Food May Be Minor
In 2020, it was suggested that humans may be exposed to more microplastics in household dust than through consuming mussels, indicating that ingestion of microplastics via food might be relatively minor.
2020: Microplastics Exposure to Infants from Feeding Bottles
In 2020, researchers reported that polypropylene infant feeding bottles using contemporary preparation procedures were found to cause microplastics exposure to infants ranging from 14,600 to 4,550,000 particles per capita per day in 48 regions.
January 2021: European Investment Bank and Asian Development Bank Form Partnership
In January 2021, the European Investment Bank and the Asian Development Bank formed the Clean and Sustainable Ocean Partnership to promote cooperative projects for a clean and sustainable ocean and blue economy in the Asia-Pacific region.
September 2021: Hurricane Larry Deposits Microplastics in Newfoundland
In September 2021, Hurricane Larry deposited 113,000 particles/m/day in Newfoundland, Canada, during its peak. Analysis suggested these microplastics originated from the North Atlantic garbage patch.
2021: Microplastics from Silicone Baby Bottle Nipples
In 2021, researchers found that silicone rubber baby bottle nipples degrade over time from repeated steam sterilization, shedding micro- and nano-sized particles of silicone rubber. They estimated that, using such heat-degraded nipples for a year, a baby will ingest more than 660,000 particles.
2021: Microplastic Bioaccumulation Documented in Wild Salmon
Research in 2021 documented the first instance of micro- and nanoplastic bioaccumulation in wild animals, specifically in the skin mucosa of salmon. This discovery was attributed to the resemblance between nanoplastics and the outer shells of viruses that the mucosa traps, and was a serendipitous finding during research focused on isolating chitin from fish skin.
February 2022: Clean Oceans Initiative Increases Financing Aim
In February 2022, the Clean Oceans Initiative announced that it would increase its financing aim to €4 billion by the end of 2025. At the same time, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) joined as the sixth member.
2022: Quantities of Microplastic Entering Human Body Still Not Well Understood
As of 2022, the quantities of microplastic entering the human body from the environment were still not well understood, as was the potential risks of microplastic to human health. The field is difficult to research because of the potentially long time between exposure to the contaminant and any associated health effect becoming evident.
February 2023: Clean Oceans Initiative Reaches 65% of Goal
By February 2023, the Clean Oceans Initiative had met 65% of its goal, with €2.6 billion spent in 60 projects benefiting more than 20 million people across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.
October 2023: REACH Restriction on Microplastics Enters Into Force
On October 17, 2023, the REACH restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles officially came into effect, marking a significant step in regulating microplastic pollution.
December 2023: Clean Oceans Initiative Funds Almost €3.2 Billion
As of December 2023, the Clean Oceans Initiative had funded almost €3.2 billion, exceeding 80% of its €4 billion objective. The projects aimed to benefit over 20 million people through improved wastewater and solid waste management.
2023: Microplastic Composition in Fish Species
A study in 2023 tested some fish species and found that "about 80% of the MPs detected were fibrous in shape and were made of polyethylene (25%), polyester (20%), and polyamide (10%). Most microplastic particles observed were black (61%) or blue (27%) in color."
2023: Microplastic Cycle and Movement Not Fully Known
As of 2023, the cycle and movement of microplastics in the environment was not fully known. Deep layer ocean sediment surveys in China found that plastics are present in deposition layers far older than the invention of plastics, suggesting that microplastics in surface sample ocean surveys might have been underestimated.
2023: Quantities of Microplastic Entering Human Body Still Not Well Understood
As of 2023, the quantities of microplastic entering the human body from the environment were still not well understood, as was the potential risks of microplastic to human health. The field is difficult to research because of the potentially long time between exposure to the contaminant and any associated health effect becoming evident.
2023: Rapid Growth of Microplastic Pollution Research
As of 2023, there has been a rapid increase in microplastic pollution research, particularly focusing on marine and estuarine environments. Researchers are advocating for enhanced data sharing to facilitate the development of effective solutions.
2023: Discovery of Plasticosis in Seabirds
In 2023, plasticosis, a new disease caused solely by plastics, was discovered in seabirds. The disease manifests as scarred digestive tracts resulting from the ingestion of plastic waste, leading to inflammation, tissue damage, and impaired digestion, growth, and survival.
2023: Microplastic Exposure Impairs Hermit Crab Cognition
Research published in 2023 demonstrated that exposure to microplastics impaired the cognitive performance of hermit crabs, potentially reducing their survivability.
2024: Hong Kong Implements Plastic Restriction Regulation
In 2024, the Hong Kong government implemented the first phase of its plastic restriction regulation, prohibiting merchants from providing related plastic products to customers and encouraging citizens to reduce the use of disposable plastics.
2025: UN Sustainable Development Goal 14 Target Date
Global advocacy is aimed at achieving the target of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, which hopes to prevent and significantly reduce all forms of marine pollution by 2025.
2025: Clean Oceans Initiative Increased Financing Aim Target Date
In February 2022, the Clean Oceans Initiative stated that it would increase its financing aim to €4 billion by the end of 2025.
