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Apuntes

•Introduction Microplastics are found in oceans, remote islands, and polar regions, emerging as a major environmental threat due to their potential impacts. Currently, there is no international consensus on the definition of microplastics, including size cutoff and material types. They are usually produced intentionally or generated when large synthetic polymer products, such as plastic packaging, are improperly disposed of or treated. Once formed, microplastics are exposed to environmental conditions where they can decompose. Generally, microplastics are synthetic polymer compounds that result from the fragmentation and micronization of large plastic materials into particles ≤5 mm. Accurate data on their sources and total deposition in land and sea are unavailable. Human activities and products like washing, worn tires, city dust, road paint, ships, and cleaning products contribute to microplastic pollution; however, main sources remain unclear. Despite reports of microplastic pollution in marine ecosystems, freshwater, air, and human bodies, further research is needed to understand their origins, spread, and impacts. •Characteristics and Environmental Impact Microplastics ar...