Viral 'Swimming' Aids

Microplastics have lots of potential for generating problems for both environments and their producers (us). A Stirling University study has confirmed that microplastics extend the infectivity of freshwater-based human intestinal viruses (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jun/27/viruses-survive-in-fresh-water-by-hitchhiking-on-plastic-study-finds). The Stirling study found that human intestinal viruses, like rotavirus, remained infectious for at least 3 days after 'hitching a ride' on microplastic particles. This is another good reason for reducing the release of microplastics from washing machine effluent, car braking systems etc.