Plastic in the Ocean
Impacts of plastic pollution on marine life
Plastic pollution is a global problem that threatens the lives of hundreds of thousands of marine species. Scientists have documented that entanglement, ingestion, and toxicity are just a few of the ways that plastics can negatively impact marine life. The size of plastic particles is a major factor in the harmful effects on marine animals. Consequently, different species and timescales will be affected differently.
Plastic pollution affects marine life by polluting oceanic waters with toxic and hazardous materials. Most of the plastic that enters the ocean is in the form of debris that is less dense than water. As a result, scientists have estimated that about 250,000 tonnes of plastic enters the ocean each year. Because plastic is not very dense, ocean waves and UV light break down the larger pieces of plastic into smaller particles. These smaller particles are then transported to deep sea sediments where they may end up as microplastics.
Sea turtles are particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. These animals often mistake floating plastic grocery bags for jellyfish. The plastic particles can also clog the gut of sea turtles, which can cause a blockage or even ulceration.
Sources of plastic pollution
The amount of plastic debris floating in the ocean is increasing rapidly. In the 1970s and 1980s, plastic pollution increased tenfold; it increased another tenfold every two to three years in the 1990s. The amount of plastic debris in the Southern Ocean increased more than 100 times during this time. While these increases are impressive, they may be insufficient to combat marine pollution. Some plastic debris float, but others become stuck in the deep ocean.
These plastic materials are dangerous to marine life and to humans. Many of them contain toxins. One of the most dangerous is diethylhexyl phthalate, which is a known carcinogen. Other plastic materials can contain lead, cadmium, and mercury, which are all harmful to sea creatures.
Urban areas are also a big contributor to plastic pollution. Cities with poor waste management practices dump large amounts of plastic waste into rivers and the ocean. Improving waste management is essential for addressing the problem. Cities such as Jakarta, Indonesia, account for a large portion of the plastic pollution in the ocean.
Impacts of plastic pollution on tourism
Plastic in the ocean is a huge issue that affects our oceans, our landscapes, and the quality of our water. Each year, eight million tonnes of plastic is dumped into our oceans, killing up to one million sea birds and up to one million sea mammals. Thousands of species of fish are also impacted by plastic waste, which is difficult to remove from the environment. This issue is particularly concerning in coastal areas, where 80 percent of tourism takes place. For example, in the Mediterranean region, marine litter increases by 40% during tourist seasons.
As a result, tourism in those areas is in danger of being negatively affected by plastic pollution. There are several factors that are contributing to this problem, including rapid growth in tourism. The first factor is the rapid increase in plastic waste in coastal areas. It is estimated that countries such as China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam are responsible for more plastic waste than any other nation.
Impacts of plastic pollution on human health
The use of plastic in our daily lives poses a huge threat to the environment and human health. The material leaches into the environment and can contaminate food chains. In the long run, plastic can cause serious health consequences such as cancer and birth defects. It can also impair the immune system and impair reproductive processes. This pollution needs to be addressed decisively to prevent its negative effects.
The United States does not lead the world in recognizing the risks of toxins and chemicals. Instead, it backpedals on its findings. In a recent report on the impacts of plastic pollution on human health, scientists cited over 170 chemicals that have been shown to affect human health in a variety of ways. These include reproductive and immune system impairment, neurological toxicity, and skin damage. The researchers also noted that fracking chemicals have a direct impact on the respiratory system and liver.
There are several ways to address the health effects of plastic pollution. One way is to improve the way we recycle plastics. Besides minimizing the amount of waste, we should consider the lifecycle of plastics, which includes processing, packaging, and disposal. In addition, we should make sure that we’re taking human rights into consideration when reducing our plastic usage.
