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High Levels of Microfibers Found in Great Lakes Water

Small fragments of plastic known as microfibers have been found in alarming amounts from water taken from the Great Lakes.

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Galveston Bay
Credit: Michael Stravato

Small fragments of plastic known as microfibers have been found in alarming amounts from water taken from the Great Lakes. The synthetic fibers made from petroleum-based materials such as polyester and nylon break off from clothing and other products and find their way from drains and sewers into bodies of water. Scientists say that the fragments get lodged inside fish and birds, thus affecting the food chain. (The Associated Press)

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