Chloe Zhang
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that has detrimental impacts on animals and humans alike. Animals are affected by plastic in a variety of ways, from entanglement and ingestion to toxic contamination. The effects of plastic pollution are not limited to marine life, as microplastics can infiltrate soil and water sources, impacting terrestrial animals as well. With plastic waste accumulating in oceans and the environment, it is essential to understand the consequences for animals and work towards sustainable solutions. This topic of 'how does plastic affect animals' is crucial for students in KS2 to explore, fostering awareness and encouraging positive actions to tackle plastic pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic waste in oceans | 8 million tonnes per year |
| Plastic ingestion by animals | 1,557 species worldwide |
| Plastic impact on animals | Blocked digestive tracts, pierced internal organs, choking, starvation, reduced stomach storage volume |
| Plastic impact on marine life | Entanglement, injury, ingestion, toxic contamination |
| Microplastics | Found in fruit, vegetables, seafood, soil, water sources |
| Microplastics impact on animals | Liver and cell damage, disrupted reproductive systems, behavioural modifications |
| Global plastic pollution | 2 million tonnes in 1950, 348 million tonnes in 2017, projected to double by 2040 |
| Plastic decomposition | Does not biodegrade, can last hundreds of years |
| Plastic solutions | Ban single-use plastics, improve recycling infrastructure, adopt economic incentives, promote reusable items |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingestion
It is not just marine animals that are affected by plastic ingestion. Land animals such as elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, and cattle have also accidentally consumed plastic waste, which has resulted in unnecessary deaths. Microplastics can also leech into the soil and nearby water sources from landfills and other environments. This has led to a decrease in species that live below the surface, such as mites, larvae, and other tiny creatures, which has made the soil less fertile.
Once ingested, microplastics can have serious health implications for animals. They can cause physical harm, liver and cell damage, disrupt reproductive systems, and expose animals to toxic chemicals. These chemicals can build up in the fatty tissues of animals, which can be extremely harmful, especially for apex predators such as great white sharks and orcas.
Furthermore, plastic particles can easily travel across the food chain. Fish and other sea creatures ingest microplastics, which then enter the human digestive system when we consume seafood. According to Greenpeace, fruits and vegetables such as apples, pears, broccoli, and carrots are also likely to be contaminated with microplastics. Therefore, plastic ingestion is a serious issue that affects a wide range of animals and can have long-lasting consequences.
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Entanglement and injury
Plastic waste is a huge threat to animals, especially marine life. It is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the deaths of more than 100,000 marine mammals annually. Animals can become entangled in plastic debris, which restricts their movement and makes them vulnerable to predators. Large plastic items, such as discarded fishing nets, can trap and entangle marine mammals and fish, leading to starvation, injury, and increased vulnerability to predators.
Plastic pollution also affects animals on land. They can get entangled in plastic waste, which can restrict their movement and cause injury. For example, animals can get their heads stuck in plastic containers, leading to overheating, suffocation, dehydration, starvation, and eventual death.
The size of the plastic particles plays a crucial role in the type of harm caused to animals. Large plastic items can entangle and trap animals, while smaller plastic fragments can be mistaken for food by seabirds and other marine species, leading to choking, suffocation, and starvation. These small plastic fragments can also enter the ocean and be ingested by marine life, causing intestinal blockages and internal injuries.
Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles less than five millimetres long, are of particular concern. They can easily pass through the digestive systems of animals and have been found in various species, including marine turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. Microplastics have been linked to liver and cell damage, disruptions to reproductive systems, and potential long-term health consequences due to the absorption of toxic chemicals.
Overall, plastic waste, through entanglement and injury, poses a significant threat to both marine and terrestrial animals, affecting their health, behaviour, and population dynamics.
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Microplastics in the food chain
Plastic waste is a huge problem for the environment, and it is harmful to all wildlife and humans. It is estimated that more than 380 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated each year, with 8 million tonnes ending up in the ocean. This plastic waste breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics, which are less than 5 millimetres long. These microplastics can cause serious harm to animals and humans, as they can pass through the digestive systems of animals and end up in our food chain.
Microplastics can enter the food chain in various ways. For example, fish and other sea creatures can mistake microplastics for food and ingest them. Birds can also consume plastic, as it can be mistaken for food, such as when plastic bags are eaten by turtles. Once ingested, plastic can block digestive tracts, pierce internal organs, and cause choking. It can also lead to a reduction in stomach storage volume, making it difficult for animals to eat.
The impact of microplastics on the food chain is not limited to marine life. Land animals, such as elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, and cattle, have also been affected by plastic waste, leading to unnecessary deaths. Microplastics can contaminate soil and water sources, impacting the plants and animals that rely on them. According to Greenpeace, fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, broccoli, and carrots have been found to contain thousands of plastic particles per gram.
The presence of microplastics in the food chain can have significant health implications for animals and humans. Studies have shown that microplastics can cause liver and cell damage, disrupt reproductive systems, and affect animal behaviour. Additionally, microplastics can adsorb toxic chemicals, leading to the bioaccumulation of these toxins in animals higher up in the food chain. This can result in the concentration of toxins in fatty tissues, as seen in orcas, and can even be passed on to their young through breast milk.
To address the issue of microplastics in the food chain, it is crucial to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling practices. Individuals can make a difference by reducing their use of single-use plastics, reusing plastic items, and recycling or properly disposing of plastic waste. On a larger scale, countries can implement bans on single-use plastics and invest in recycling infrastructure. By working together, we can help reduce the impact of microplastics on our environment and the food chain.
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Human health risks
Plastic waste is a major threat to human health. It does not decompose but breaks down into tiny plastic particles known as microplastics. These microplastics can pass through animals' digestive systems and are often mistaken for food by marine life, including fish, birds, and turtles. Over three billion people worldwide rely on fish as their primary source of protein, and these microplastics can easily enter the human food chain. According to Greenpeace, common fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, broccoli, and carrots have been found to contain thousands of plastic fragments per gram.
The potential health hazards of microplastics are a widespread concern. Research has shown that a single plastic particle can absorb up to one million times more toxic chemicals than the water around it. These chemicals can build up in the fatty tissues of animals, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification as they move up the food chain. Orcas, for example, have been found with high levels of chemicals in their fatty tissues and breast milk, which they feed to their young.
Microplastics can also contaminate soil and water sources, leading to a decrease in species that live below the surface, such as mites, larvae, and other tiny creatures. Chlorinated plastic can release harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil and groundwater, further impacting the health of both wildlife and humans.
To mitigate these risks, it is essential to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling infrastructure. Banning single-use plastics, adopting reusable alternatives, and supporting policies that address the irresponsible disposal of plastics are crucial steps in protecting human health from the dangers of plastic pollution.
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Plastic waste solutions
Plastic waste is a pressing issue that requires collective action from governments, industries, and individuals. Here are some solutions to tackle plastic waste and its impact on animals:
Ban Single-Use Plastics
Governments and policymakers play a crucial role in implementing laws and regulations to ban or reduce the production and consumption of single-use plastics. As of 2021, 77 countries have passed full or partial bans on plastic bags, recognizing the harmful nature of these products. Extending such bans to other single-use plastic items can significantly reduce plastic waste.
Improve Recycling Infrastructure
Investing in recycling infrastructure is essential. Implementing effective recycling programs, such as Deposit Refund Schemes (DRS), encourages the reuse and recycling of plastic bottles, reducing the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills or the ocean.
Individual Actions
Individuals can make a difference by adopting simple lifestyle changes. This includes reducing the purchase of plastic items, reusing plastic products whenever possible, and recycling plastics through proper channels. Using reusable water bottles and shopping bags instead of disposable ones can also help. Additionally, individuals can avoid purchasing clothing made from synthetic fabrics like acrylic, nylon, spandex, and polyester, as these fabrics shed microplastics during washes, contaminating water sources.
Education and Awareness
Educating communities about the impact of plastic waste on animals and the environment is vital. Awareness campaigns can encourage people to reduce their plastic waste, clean up their local environments, and support organizations working to end plastic pollution.
Alternative Materials and Innovations
Scientists and engineers are crucial in developing alternative materials and innovative solutions to replace plastic or mitigate its impact. Biodegradable materials that can decompose naturally without causing pollution are a potential solution.
By implementing these solutions and working together, we can significantly reduce plastic waste and minimize its harmful effects on animals and the environment.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic affects animals in a variety of ways, from entanglement and injury to ingestion and toxic contamination. It can also choke and starve animals by making them feel full after eating plastic.
Plastic can enter the ocean in many ways. Plastic rubbish is light and can be blown off landfill sites or rubbish bins, entering drains and rivers that lead to the ocean. Plastic can also be washed into streams and rivers by rain and wind.
You can make a difference by reducing the number of plastic items you buy and reusing plastic items instead of throwing them away. You can also keep reusable plastic items, like water bottles or shopping bags, and recycle plastic waste.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than 5 millimetres long. They are formed when plastic breaks down over time. Microplastics can pass through animals' digestive systems and can be harmful to their health.
Plastic pollution can contaminate our food and water sources. Microplastics have been found in fruit, vegetables, seafood, and drinking water. These microplastics can contain toxic chemicals, which can build up in our bodies over time.
