Although these tiny particles continue to contribute to the water pollution problem, local researchers are exploring new solutions.

"These are everyday sights in Puerto Rico today," said Jorge Bauzá, pointing to photos of piles of plastic bottles, garbage bags and foam coolers piled up on idyllic beaches.

"We still have a long way to go to change this plastic culture," emphasized the oceanographer and scientific director of the San Juan Bay Estuary Program, during the annual conference of the Puerto Rico College of Chemists -PR Chem- held recently.