Microplastics: What They Are, Where They Are, and Why They Matter

Talk by Prof. Fay Couteiro

Plastic has become an essential part of modern life, but as it breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics, it creates a new and widespread environmental challenge. These particles are now found almost everywhere, from the deepest oceans and remote mountain regions to the food we eat and the air we breathe. In this talk, Professor Fay Couceiro will explore how microplastics are formed, where they come from, how they travel through the environment, and what happens when they interact with wildlife and people. Through real-world examples and the latest research, the audience will discover why these tiny particles have become a global concern, what scientists currently know about their impacts, and the practical steps individuals, industry, and society can take to reduce pollution and limit exposure.

---

Professor Fay Couteiro is a Professor of Environmental Pollution at the University of Portsmouth
She leads the University's Microplastics Research Group, which aims to establish the impacts of microplastics on the environment and human health.

Last Updated on 4th October 2026