Journal of Science Policy & Governance
Volume 28, Issue 01 | July 6, 2026

Policy Memo
From Advanced Water Treatment Systems to Consumer Education: Policy Options to Address the Inescapable Problem of Microplastic Pollution in the U.S.

Camille Urevick (1)
  1. University of Pittsburgh, Department of Geology and Environmental Science, Pittsburgh, PA
​Corresponding author: [email protected]​
Keywords: microplastics; microplastic pollution; ocean pollution; water treatment; plastic policy​
https://doi.org/10.38126/JSPG280106

Executive Summary

Microplastics are plastic particles less than 5 millimeters created by both the manufacturing of small plastic particles and the breakdown of larger plastics.
Microplastics have been found in both human and animal organs alike. The presence of microplastics in waterways has been found to harm both human and ecological health. While policies to address regular plastic pollution (i.e. bans and regulations on single-use plastics) have become more prevalent in recent years, policies specifically targeting microplastics are rare. Since regular plastic pollution is a source of microplastic pollution, it is vital to implement policies addressing both types of plastic pollution. Thus, I suggest a comprehensive, multifaceted approach to address microplastic pollution via three policy recommendations: implementing advanced water treatment systems, requiring microfiber filters to be pre-installed on washing machines, and production and sale caps on virgin plastics.

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Background header image courtesy of  wikimedia
Camille Urevick is a recent graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and a minor in Law, Criminal Justice, and Society (LCJS). Camille plans on pursuing a career in environmental policy.

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