A study conducted by MountainTrue found an average of 19 microplastic particles — pieces smaller than 5 millimeters, formed by the breakdown of larger plastics — per liter of water in local river systems. Exposure to microplastics has been tied to allergic reactions and other health impacts in humans, as well as negative effects on fish.
![Kylie Barnes, water quality administrator for MountainTrue](https://mountainx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/GREEN_1_Microplastics-330x248.jpg)