"Microplastics Threaten Accuracy of Ancient Rock Age Markers"

Microplastics have been found to seep through layers of rock, making their presence in rock strata an unreliable indicator of the beginning of the Anthropocene epoch. A study analyzing sediment samples from three lakes in Latvia revealed that smaller plastic particles could travel deeper into the mud, reaching layers predating the acceleration of plastic production in the 1950s. This challenges the use of plastic presence in rock strata as a marker for human impact on the planet. The study identified 14 different types of plastic in the sediment samples, highlighting the pervasive nature of microplastics in the environment and their potential to impact natural cycles and food chains.