Microplastics are classified by their particle size and products. Furthermore, there are 7 classifications for everyday plastics. Depending on the density of the plastic compared to water, plastics will either sink to the bottom (affecting benthic organisms) or float near the surface where open water organisms come into contact with them. Plastic in itself is difficult enough to remove from water- but especially when it sinks to the bottom and is not as easy to spot and pull out.
1) Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) - often found in things such as plastic water bottles
2) High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) - found in laundry detergent bottles, milk jugs
3) Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) - found in PVC piping. Due to the higher density of PVC compared to water, PVC pipes sink in the water.
4) Low Density Polythylene - used for production in grocery bags. Due to the low density of these plastics, plastic bags float at the surface of the water.
5) Polypropylene (PP)- These are harder types of plastics that are used for things such as reusable food containers and Nalgene water bottles.
6) Polystyrene (PS) - also known as styrofoam which is used for single use things such as to-go containers, coffee cups and packaging. Due to the low density, they will also float in the water and easily break down into smaller particles which are ingested by organisms.
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