Microplastics are small plastic particles that can be found in the environment. They can come from a variety of sources, such as plastic bags, bottles, and clothing. Microplastics can be harmful to wildlife, as they can be ingested and cause blockages in the digestive system. They can also absorb toxic chemicals from the environment, which can then be passed up the food chain.

A new technique has been developed that can show the link between prey and microplastics. The technique uses a chemical tracer that is added to microplastics. This tracer can then be detected in the tissues of animals that have consumed the microplastics.

The new technique was used to study the link between microplastics and zooplankton. Zooplankton are small animals that live in the ocean. They are an important food source for fish and other marine animals.

The study found that zooplankton that had consumed microplastics had higher levels of the chemical tracer in their tissues. This suggests that microplastics can be transferred up the food chain.

The new technique can be used to study the link between microplastics and other animals. It can also be used to track the movement of microplastics in the environment. This information can be used to help develop strategies to reduce the amount of microplastics in the environment and to protect wildlife.