Omar Khalid
Animals, especially marine animals, are increasingly ingesting plastic, which is having fatal consequences. Marine animals such as whales, sea turtles, albatrosses, and fish have been found dead with large quantities of plastic in their stomachs. While the immediate effects of swallowing small pieces of plastic may be mild, larger pieces can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and vomiting. In addition, plastic contains harmful chemicals that can leach into the body and cause various health issues. Some animals, such as sea cucumbers, even prefer to eat plastic over their regular food. The presence of microorganisms on plastic debris can also make it more attractive as a food source for other animals. While some organisms have been discovered to break down certain types of plastic, the impact of plastic ingestion on most animals remains poorly understood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How animals ingest plastic | Directly eating plastic, consuming prey with plastic in its body, or consuming plastic debris in the ocean |
| Why animals eat plastic | Conventional wisdom suggests that animals eat plastic because it's available and they don't know any better. Some plastic may smell like food, and plastic trash may sound like food to certain animals. |
| Impact of plastic ingestion on animals | Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, reduced appetite, weight loss, lethargy, starvation, internal bleeding, infection, chemical exposure, microplastic accumulation, obstruction of the digestive tract |
| Animals affected by plastic ingestion | Fish, birds, marine mammals, sea turtles, camels, whales, albatrosses, flesh-footed shearwaters, fulmars, Laysan albatross chicks, shrimp-like creatures, invertebrates, superworms |
| How animals digest plastic | Some animals can break down plastic into small pieces, but it is unclear if they can fully digest it. Certain organisms and enzymes can break down specific types of plastic. |
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What You'll Learn
How plastic ingestion impacts animal health
Plastic ingestion has a detrimental impact on animal health, affecting a wide range of species across aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The consequences of plastic ingestion vary depending on factors such as the size, shape, and type of plastic, as well as the feeding behavior and physiology of the animal.
One of the primary concerns is physical harm caused by sharp or large pieces of plastic. These can lead to lacerations or perforations in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines, resulting in serious health issues. Larger pieces of plastic can also cause blockages in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the animal from excreting the plastic. This can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and vomiting, and in some cases, starvation and death. For example, in the United Arab Emirates, plastic ingestion causes half of all camel deaths, as large lumps of plastic get stuck in their stomachs, causing a fatal blockage.
Additionally, plastics may contain additives and chemicals that can leach into the animal's body when ingested. These chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, are endocrine disruptors and have been linked to hormonal imbalances, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Microplastics, in particular, have been found to accumulate in the tissues and organs of animals, potentially leading to inflammation and other adverse health effects.
The impact of plastic ingestion on wildlife is not limited to individual health but also has ecological ramifications. It can affect animal behavior, population dynamics, and ecosystem processes. Some species, such as sea turtles, may mistake plastic bags for their prey, jellyfish, leading to plastic accumulating in their digestive systems and giving them a false sense of fullness. This can result in reduced food intake, malnutrition, and weakening of the animals over time.
Furthermore, plastics can carry and absorb harmful pollutants from the surrounding environment, which are then released into the bodies of animals that ingest them. These pollutants can have toxic effects on wildlife, and the impact of their bioaccumulation within food webs is a growing concern. While some animals can regurgitate or pass small plastic particles through their digestive systems, larger pieces may remain in their bodies for extended periods, potentially impacting their health over time.
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Why animals eat plastic
Animals may eat plastic for a variety of reasons, and it has harmful consequences for their health and survival. Marine animals are particularly at risk, with an estimated 640,000 tonnes of plastic entering the oceans each year. This includes single-use plastic, fishing gear, and polystyrene from buoys and fish farms.
One reason animals eat plastic is that it often resembles their food. Sea turtles, for example, mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their natural prey. Other marine animals, including fish, eat microplastics because they resemble the small particles they usually eat. In addition, plastic can take on the smell of food, making it even more enticing to hungry animals. Seabirds, in particular, are attracted to the smell of sulfur, which can be released by certain types of plastic.
Another factor is that animals may consume plastic indirectly by eating prey that already has plastic in its system. This is known as "trophic transfer." As smaller animals ingest plastic, it can be passed up the food chain to larger animals, including marine mammals and birds.
Some species, such as sea cucumbers, actually prefer to eat plastic over their regular food. Invertebrates, or animals without a backbone, not only ingest microscopic plastic pieces but also contribute to the breakdown of larger plastic debris into microplastics.
The ingestion of plastic has severe consequences for animals. It can cause internal injuries, intestinal blockage, and even death. Larger pieces of plastic can block the gastrointestinal tract, leading to starvation. Sharp or rough plastic can also create cuts in the digestive system, resulting in infections and internal bleeding. Additionally, plastic may carry harmful pollutants and chemicals that can be released into the animal's body, leading to various health issues.
The impact of plastic ingestion on animal health is still being studied, and it is difficult to know the exact number of animals killed by plastic pollution. However, it is clear that plastic poses a significant threat to marine life and requires urgent human intervention to reduce and prevent further harm to these ecosystems.
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How plastic affects different species
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that affects a wide range of species. Marine animals, in particular, are highly vulnerable to the harmful effects of plastic in their environment. Here are some ways plastic impacts different species:
Seabirds:
Seabirds are susceptible to ingesting plastic fragments that float on the water's surface, mistaking them for food. This ingestion can lead to blockages in their gastrointestinal tract, causing abdominal pain, vomiting, and even starvation. The northern fulmar, for instance, grinds and spreads millions of plastic pieces annually, some of which are left at abandoned nesting sites. According to estimates, about 60% of all seabird species have consumed plastic, and this number is predicted to rise to 99% by 2050.
Sea Turtles:
Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, their natural prey, or eat plastic that resembles seaweed. This ingestion can lead to a false sense of fullness, eventually resulting in starvation. Sea turtles are also at risk of entanglement from plastic six-pack rings, which can trap them around their shells and necks. It is estimated that half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, and the presence of plastic on beaches also affects their reproduction rates by altering the temperature of the sand during incubation.
Marine Mammals:
Marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins, seals, and the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seals, are affected by plastic pollution. They ingest plastic debris or become entangled in it, leading to injury or death. A gray whale that stranded near Seattle in 2010 had more than 20 plastic bags and other plastic items in its stomach. In the United Arab Emirates, plastic ingestion causes half of all camel deaths, as the plastic blocks their gastrointestinal tract, leading to starvation.
Fish:
Hundreds of fish species, including those consumed by humans, have been found with traces of microplastics in their bodies. Fish often mistake small plastic pieces for food. Additionally, molluscs like mussels and oysters inadvertently take in microplastics when they filter seawater to feed.
Invertebrates:
Invertebrates, such as sea cucumbers, have been observed to prefer feeding on plastics over their regular food. They not only ingest microscopic plastic pieces but also contribute to the further breakdown of plastic marine debris.
The impact of plastic pollution on these diverse species highlights the urgent need to address this global crisis and reduce the amount of plastic waste entering our oceans and ecosystems.
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The role of plastic-eating organisms
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with millions of tons of plastic entering the marine environment annually, threatening wildlife and human health. Marine debris, particularly plastics, are small enough to be ingested by wildlife, causing severe impacts on marine ecosystems. While some animals accidentally consume plastic, others, like sea cucumbers, actively feed on plastics, even choosing them over their regular food. This consumption of plastic by organisms has various consequences, including reduced appetite, weakened health, and gastrointestinal blockages.
The discovery of plastic-eating organisms, specifically bacteria, has offered a promising solution to tackle plastic pollution. These bacteria can break down and consume certain types of plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), using it as a carbon and energy source. Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium discovered in 2016, is capable of breaking down PET through the production of digestive enzymes called PETases. These enzymes break down the long molecular chains of PET into shorter chains, which can be further degraded by other enzymes.
The potential of plastic-eating bacteria extends beyond just breaking down plastics. They can also nullify some of the planet's most toxic chemicals, cleansing entire landscapes. This capability is particularly effective for chemicals that have been present on Earth for a long time, as microbes have developed a "taste" for them. However, it is important to note that the current state of research on plastic-eating microbes is still in its early stages. The hope is to find microbes that can truly transform untreated plastic, similar to how they break down organic matter.
While the potential of plastic-eating organisms is significant, it is essential to recognize that the current understanding and applications are still evolving. Scientists are working to enhance these organisms' powers and develop new approaches to solve the waste crisis effectively.
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Human solutions to reduce plastic ingestion
As plastic pollution continues to be a pressing issue, it is crucial to address human solutions to reduce plastic ingestion, particularly in light of its impact on animal health and ecosystems. Here are several measures that can be implemented:
Reduce Plastic Usage
The first step is to acknowledge the presence of plastic in our daily routines and actively work towards reducing plastic consumption. This can be achieved by opting for reusable containers and utensils made from alternative materials such as glass, metal, or bamboo. Reusable steel or glass bottles for water can also help reduce the reliance on plastic water bottles, which have been found to contain microplastics.
Switch to Tap Water
Bottled water has been identified as a significant source of microplastics. Switching to tap water can significantly reduce exposure to plastics. To further minimize the intake of microplastics in tap water, consider using certified water filters, such as under-sink filters or pitcher filters, which are designed to reduce microplastic content.
Avoid Plastic Packaging for Food
Heat can cause microplastics to migrate, so it is important to avoid storing hot food in plastic containers or leaving plastic packaging in warm environments. Canned food and beverage cartons should also be approached with caution, as they may be lined with plastic that can shed microplastics and release harmful chemicals.
Choose Alternative Food Options
Highly processed foods tend to contain more microplastics, so opting for minimally processed or fresh produce can help reduce plastic ingestion. Buying organic and eating lower on the food chain, such as consuming more grains, fruits, and vegetables, can also minimize exposure to toxic chemicals that accumulate in animals higher up the food chain.
Dispose of Waste Properly
It is essential to dispose of waste properly and reduce the amount of waste produced. This includes properly disposing of large pieces of plastic, such as polystyrene, which can break away and become a hazard for marine life. Additionally, cleaning up local environments and participating in initiatives like the NOAA Marine Debris Program can help mitigate the amount of plastic that ends up in the ocean and poses a risk to wildlife.
By adopting these solutions, we can actively contribute to reducing plastic ingestion and mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution on animal life and ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic ingestion can lead to cuts in the digestive system, causing infections and internal bleeding. It can also block the digestive system, making it difficult for the animal to eat and get the nutrients they need.
Animals may directly eat plastic marine debris, or they may consume prey that already has plastic in its body. Some animals mistake plastic for food, as it may smell like food or sound like it to certain species.
Marine animals such as fish, turtles, whales, dolphins, and birds have been found to ingest plastic. Invertebrates, such as sea cucumbers, may also feed on plastic.
The amount of plastic ingested varies. In some cases, whales have been found dead with several kilos of plastic in their stomachs. A young green turtle that washed up on the coast of Brazil had 3,267 pieces of plastic in its gut and another 308 pieces in its stomach.
Individuals can reduce their plastic waste and clean up their local environments. Using reusable alternatives to single-use plastics, such as water bottles, straws, and bags, can also help reduce plastic pollution.
