Microplastic #263 by Wright State University Associate Professor of Art, Ben Montague, is a 2021 Archival Pigment print, edition 2/10.

This image is part of a series that explores the issue of microplastics in the environment. Microplastics are defined as plastics smaller than 5mm. These are often created by non-recycled plastics gradually breaking down into tiny fragments which enter our watersheds and, eventually, our food system. Additionally, preproduction pellets used to produce larger plastics, called nurdles, are prevalent in marine debris due to industrial spills. Along with microfibers shed from synthetic clothing during washing, scientists are now finding microplastics in shellfish, beer, bottled water, and even in blood.

"The objects in these photographs were collected from water and soil samples from both urban and rural rivers, lakes, and oceans. Using a floatation method and filters, I was able to separate much of the plastic material from the samples to be photographed. These are not intended to be scientific studies; their purpose is to show how ubiquitous microplastics have become in the environment. While many beaches and rivers are littered with trash, even seemingly pristine waters are contaminated with microplastics".

Size with frame: 17" wide x 17" high x 1 1/4" deep