Op-Ed Writing - Tennessee: the Polluted Microplastic River
Tennessee: the Polluted Microplastic River If you live in Tennessee or have ever passed through the region, you have probably seen the Tennessee River, or a waterway connected to it. You have officially seen the most polluted and diverse river. The Tennessee River is mostly known for its pristine waters and ecological richness. Unfortunately, it has succumbed to the detrimental effects of pollution, particularly from microplastics. Microplastics, defined as tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become a significant threat to the river's ecosystems and the surrounding communities. The ethics surrounding the presence of microplastics in the Tennessee River are based solely on the responsibility of individuals, industries, and policymakers in addressing this environmental concern. Microplastics, originating from various sources such as plastic waste, microbeads, and synthetic textiles, infiltrate the Tennessee River through runoff, wastewater, and inad
