Learning Never Ends
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We are so happy that you decided to stop by. You are cordially invited to explore our Marine Science Museum, where you will get the chance to expand your knowledge through exclusive online resources. You’ll be exposed to new ideas, enjoy an array of carefully curated exhibitions, and expand your mind.
Marine Garbage Patch & Microplastic
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Microplastics
Microplastics, as the name implies, are tiny plastic particles. Officially, they are defined as plastics less than five millimeters (0.2 inches) in diameter—smaller in diameter than the standard pearl used in jewelry. There are two categories of microplastics: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are tiny particles designed for commercial use, such as cosmetics, as well as microfibers shed from clothing and other textiles, such as fishing nets. Secondary microplastics are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles. This breakdown is caused by exposure to environmental factors, mainly the sun’s radiation and ocean waves.
Marine Garbage Patch
Garbage patches are large areas of marine debris concentration that are formed by rotating ocean currents called gyres - kind of like big whirlpools that suck things in. A garbage patch is made up of tiny plastic pieces called “microplastics” that are less than 5 millimeters long. It’s more like pepper flakes swirling in a soup than something you can skim off the surface. You might come across some larger items, like plastic bottles, but it’s possible to sail through a garbage patch and not see anything. And they’re a big problem, for the ocean - and us. (NOAA)
Turing Marine Debris into Marine Art
Explore all the amazing elements the world has to offer through our Lab Tutorial. We take education very seriously, which is why we are always conducting research and adding new resources to our list. We want to be the go-to resource for our visitors and their research and educational needs on the topics we cover at Marine Environmental Science Museum.