Getting trapped in freshwater ice changes microplastics sink-or-swim tendencies

Getting trapped in freshwater ice changes microplastics sink-or-swim tendencies- Most bodies of water contain minute plastic particles that get trapped at the surface when ice forms. But when the ice melts, the microplastics have changed. According to research recently published in Environmental Science & Technology, the thawed particles might be larger and sink or float faster, depending on the polymer type. The study’s authors say freezing could alter the environmental impact of microplastics, including their accumulation in freshwater lake or river sediments.

Source: phys.org