Alexei Volkov
The presence of plastic in water has been linked to a decrease in pH levels, which can have detrimental effects on marine life and ecosystems. With approximately 13 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year, the impact of plastic pollution on water chemistry is a growing concern. This is particularly true in the context of ocean acidification, which occurs when the water's chemistry is altered as it absorbs CO2. As a result of this process, vital minerals such as calcium carbonate are reduced, impairing the ability of marine organisms to build skeletons and shells. The increasing acidity of the oceans, coupled with the presence of plastics, poses a significant threat to marine life and underscores the urgency of addressing plastic pollution.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Impact of plastic on water pH levels | Plastic dumped into oceans is correlated with ocean acidification, which occurs when the water's chemistry is altered as CO2 is absorbed. |
| Ocean acidification | Since 1850, ocean acidity has increased by 26%, 10 times faster than any period in the last 55 million years. |
| Impact on marine life | Reduced pH obstructs the ability of marine organisms, such as corals, plankton, oysters, and urchins, to build skeletons and shells out of calcium carbonate, threatening their survival. |
| Impact on food webs and ecosystems | The accumulation of bacteria on plastic surfaces in the ocean, known as the "plastisphere," can damage marine ecosystems. For example, Photobacterium rosenbergii has been linked to coral bleaching. |
| Greenhouse gas emissions | The primary driver of ocean acidification is greenhouse gas emissions dissolved in the ocean. However, plastic also contributes to this process. |
| Carbon emissions absorption | The world's oceans absorb about 30% of humanity's carbon emissions, leading to a decrease in pH. |
| Planetary boundaries | Ocean acidification, if pushed past a certain threshold, could significantly disrupt the Earth's natural operating systems and potentially place human life at risk. |
| Plastic pollution in oceans | It is estimated that nearly 13 million metric tons of plastic reach the ocean each year, with approximately 8 million pieces of plastic discovered daily. |
| Single-use plastic | 50% of the 300 million tons of plastic produced annually is for single-use purposes. |
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What You'll Learn
Greenhouse gas emissions
Plastic is derived from fossil fuels, including natural gas and crude oil. It is a major contributor to climate change, generating heat-trapping gases at every stage of its life cycle. The extraction and transportation of these fossil fuels are carbon-intensive activities, emitting an estimated 12.5 to 13.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually in the United States alone.
The refinement of plastics emits an additional 184 to 213 million metric tons of greenhouse gases each year. In 2019, the production and incineration of plastic added over 850 million metric tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, equivalent to the emissions from 189 five-hundred-megawatt coal power plants. If plastic production and use continue to grow at the current rate, emissions could reach 1.34 gigatons per year by 2030.
Landfills, where single-use plastics often end up, account for more than 15% of methane emissions. The decomposition of microplastics in water reservoirs with limited light access is another significant source of greenhouse gas production. Research has shown that plastic on coastlines, riverbanks, and landscapes releases greenhouse gases, and these emissions increase as plastic further breaks down.
Microplastics in the oceans may also interfere with the ocean's ability to absorb and sequester carbon dioxide. The ocean has historically sequestered 30-50% of carbon dioxide emissions from human-related activities, but evidence suggests that plankton are ingesting increasing amounts of microplastics, which could impact their growth and carbon absorption capabilities.
To address the climate impacts of the plastic lifecycle, reducing plastic production and use is crucial. While complementary interventions, such as using renewable energy sources, can reduce energy emissions associated with plastic, they do not address the significant process emissions from plastic production and waste.
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Carbon dioxide absorption
The process of carbon dioxide absorption in water is closely linked to the presence of plastics in the water and the resulting changes in pH levels. While carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption by seawater naturally leads to a decrease in pH levels, the presence of plastic pollution intensifies this effect.
The absorption of CO2 by seawater leads to a reduction in pH levels, a process known as ocean acidification. This occurs because when CO2 is absorbed by seawater, it reacts with water molecules to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which is a weak acid. As a consequence, the pH of the seawater decreases, making it more acidic. This reduction in pH levels has significant implications for marine ecosystems, as it directly affects the availability of vital minerals like calcium carbonate, which is essential for the formation of shells and skeletons in many marine organisms.
The presence of plastic pollution in the ocean further contributes to the process of ocean acidification. Plastic waste, especially single-use plastics, has become a significant source of pollution in the world's oceans, with an estimated 50% of the 300 million tons of plastic produced annually being used for single-use purposes. As plastic decomposes, it releases chemicals and toxic substances into the water, altering its chemistry and accelerating the absorption of CO2. This, in turn, exacerbates the decrease in pH levels, creating a more acidic environment.
Additionally, plastics themselves contribute to the absorption of CO2 in the ocean. The resins used in plastic production, derived from synthetic or plant sources, can influence the way CO2 interacts with seawater. Certain types of plastics, such as those used in water bottles and storage containers, can affect the pH of the water they contain. While some plastics are considered safe for storing ionized water, others may pose health risks due to the chemicals used in their production. Therefore, it is crucial to follow guidelines and use recommended types of plastics, such as #1, #2, #4, and #5 plastics for food and water storage, to minimize potential hazards.
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Calcium carbonate reduction
Calcium carbonate is a vital mineral in the ocean, and it is a key building block for many marine skeletons and shells. It is one of the most common compounds found in eggshells, seashells, oyster shells, and snail shells.
Calcium carbonate is stable at room temperature and remains poorly soluble in water. The pH value of calcium carbonate in pure water is nearly 7, making it neutral. This is because of the insolubility of calcium carbonate. However, if carbon dioxide is present, it increases the solubility of calcium carbonate and drops the pH value to around 5. The presence of carbon dioxide in the water introduces itself to drop the pH of the solution.
Calcium carbonate is used to treat water with a pH greater than 6. Untreated water is passed through a filter, which is filled with calcium carbonate (limestone). As the water passes through the filter, the calcium carbonate dissolves in the water and raises its pH level. This process is known as neutralization and it takes time. The flow rate should not exceed 3 gallons per minute per square foot of the filter bed area. A bed depth of 32 to 36 inches is necessary to provide adequate contact time for the calcium carbonate to dissolve and raise the pH of the water.
The drawback of using calcium carbonate to treat water is that it may increase or cause water hardness. If hard water becomes an issue, a water softener should be used after the neutralizing filter.
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Marine life consumption
Marine life is facing a multitude of threats due to plastic pollution in the ocean. Turtles, for example, get entangled in discarded plastic fishing nets, and whales unwittingly consume plastic bags. Filter-feeding fish and other organisms ingest tiny plastic particles, poisoning themselves.
Plastic pollution in the ocean is correlated with ocean acidification, which occurs when the water's chemistry is altered as carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by seawater. This process reduces water pH levels and decreases the availability of vital minerals like calcium carbonate, which is a key building block for many marine skeletons and shells.
Ocean acidification has increased by 26% since 1850, a rate 10 times faster than any period in the last 55 million years. This rapid change has already resulted in numerous and widespread impacts on marine ecosystems. The increased acidity obstructs the ability of marine organisms, such as corals, plankton, oysters, and urchins, to build skeletons and shells, affecting their survival.
The accumulation of bacteria on plastic surfaces in the ocean, known as the 'plastisphere', further exacerbates the problem. Certain bacteria, such as Photobacterium rosenbergii, have been linked to coral bleaching, causing additional harm to marine ecosystems.
Reducing the production of single-use plastics is crucial to combating this issue. Organizations like the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification are working to raise awareness and drive action, but more global attention and commitment are needed to address this pressing problem effectively.
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Microorganism contamination
Plastic pollution in water has been linked to ocean acidification, which occurs when the water's chemistry is altered as CO2 is absorbed by seawater. This process reduces water pH levels and vital minerals like calcium carbonate, which is essential for building many marine skeletons and shells. Increased ocean acidity is also caused by CO2 emissions being absorbed into the sea. Marine life is threatened not only by the rising acidity of the water but also by the plastic waste itself. Approximately 8 million pieces of plastic are discovered in the ocean every day, and this waste can be ingested by marine organisms, causing digestive and malnutrition problems. Marine organisms can also become entangled in plastic debris, causing lethal wounds and respiratory impairment.
The presence of microorganisms on plastic waste in water can have both positive and negative effects. On the one hand, certain microorganisms can contribute to the biodegradation of plastics, helping to reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the environment. On the other hand, plastic waste can become a source of harmful bacteria and microorganisms over time. For example, a study found that discarded water bottles left in the sea for three weeks became sources of harmful bacteria, contributing to the "plastisphere." This accumulation of bacteria on plastic can damage marine ecosystems, and specific bacteria like Photobacterium rosenbergii have been linked to coral bleaching.
To address the issue of microorganism contamination on plastic waste in water, it is crucial to reduce the amount of plastic entering the ocean. Cutting down on the production and use of single-use plastics is a significant step toward allowing the ocean to rejuvenate itself. Additionally, the use of biodegradable plastics should be advocated, especially in industries that heavily rely on disposable plastic products, such as takeout and e-commerce. By combining efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote the use of biodegradable alternatives, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of microorganism contamination on marine ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic waste dumped into oceans is correlated with ocean acidification, which occurs when the water's chemistry is altered as CO2 is absorbed by seawater. This process reduces water pH levels.
Plastic waste in oceans acts as a source of harmful bacteria and microorganisms, which accumulate and spread on plastic and into the ocean. This phenomenon is known as the "plastisphere".
Ocean acidification reduces vital minerals like calcium carbonate, which is a key building block for many marine skeletons and shells. It also weakens calcifying organisms like corals, planktons, oysters, and urchins, impacting other species that depend on them for food and habitat.
Approximately 8 million pieces of plastic are found in the ocean each day, with an estimated total of up to 5.25 trillion pieces of macro and microplastics in oceans worldwide. About 13 million metric tons of plastic reach the ocean annually.
Cutting down on the production and use of single-use plastics is crucial. Organisations like the International Alliance To Combat Ocean Acidification are working to spread awareness, and initiatives like the International Partnership For Blue Carbon aim to share knowledge and drive practical action.
