Understanding Microplastics: How Tiny Plastics Impact Michigan’s Waterways

Published January 28, 2026

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles, smaller than a grain of rice, that come from clothing fibers, packaging, car tires, and personal care products. They end up in our lakes, rivers, and drinking water, and because they’re so small, wastewater treatment plants cannot fully remove them. This means they can build up in the environment and be eaten by humans, fish, and other organisms.

MSU researchers are studying how microplastics develop, how they move through Michigan’s water systems, and what that means for humans and ecosystem health.

This overview from the MSU Water Alliance and 42PointSEVEN explains:

What microplastics are and where they come from
How they can be harmful
And how MSU is helping to address this growing pollution problem

Learn more: https://water.msu.edu/science-hubs/msu-plastics-and-health-consortium

This video was produced by 42PointSEVEN, with scriptwriting and project coordination from the MSU Water Alliance.