Chloe Zhang
Plastic pollution is a rising threat to all life on Earth, and it's wreaking havoc on marine and land animals alike. It's hard to know the exact number of animals killed by plastic, but estimates range from 100,000 to 100 million marine animals dying each year from plastic ingestion or entanglement. This is only the tip of the iceberg, as there are likely many more at the bottom of the ocean. Plastic affects a wide range of species, from the largest whales and dolphins to the smallest fish larvae and other marine creatures. It also impacts land animals, with cases of elephants, hyenas, zebras, and other mammals dying from plastic ingestion. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that plastic can take decades or even centuries to break down, and microplastics continue to contaminate our soil, water sources, and food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of plastic products in the ocean | 8 to 10 million tons per year |
| Number of plastic products in the ocean (alternative estimate) | 11 million tons per year |
| Number of plastic products in the ocean (alternative estimate, including "ghost fishing" equipment) | 8 million tons per year |
| Number of plastic products in the ocean (projected, by 2040) | 22 to 29 million tons per year |
| Number of animals killed by plastic products | Millions per year |
| Number of marine animals killed by plastic products | 100,000 to 1 million+ per year |
| Number of marine animals killed by plastic products (alternative estimate) | 100 million per year |
| Number of sea birds killed by plastic products | 1 million per year |
| Types of animals killed by plastic products | Fish, crabs, coral, krill, dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, rays, penguins, vaquitas, humpback dolphins, sea lions, whales, birds, and more |
| Types of animals injured by plastic products | Humans |
| Types of plastic products that kill animals | Plastic wrap, disposable shopping bags, Ziploc storage bags, straws, soda can rings, crushed bottles, "ghost fishing" nets and lines, balloons, and microplastics |
| Ways in which plastic products kill animals | Entanglement, ingestion, choking, intestinal blockages, poisoning, starvation, drowning, and infection |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic ingestion kills animals
Plastic ingestion is a significant cause of animal deaths, with marine animals being particularly vulnerable. It is estimated that 56% of the planet's whale, dolphin, and porpoise species have consumed plastic. Fish larvae are four times more likely to eat microplastics than actual food. Seabirds, including shearwaters, are at particular risk from ingesting plastic, often mistaking plastic debris for food. This can lead to choking, starvation, and physical and hormonal damage to cells and organs, a disease known as "plasticosis".
The problem is not limited to marine life, as land animals also suffer from plastic pollution. Elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, and cattle have all been reported to have accidentally consumed plastic waste, resulting in intestinal blockages and, in some cases, death. A Japanese deer in Nara Park was found dead with 4.3 kg of plastic in its stomach.
The impact of plastic ingestion goes beyond the immediate physical harm. As plastic breaks down into microplastics, they can release toxic chemicals, affecting the health of animals and humans alike. Over 13,000 chemicals are used in plastics, with at least 3,200 exhibiting "hazardous properties of concern." These microplastics can enter water sources and move through the food web, threatening various species, including migratory animals, insects, rodents, and marine life such as clams, whales, and fish.
While the exact number of animal deaths due to plastic ingestion is challenging to determine, the presence of 51 trillion pieces of plastic in the oceans contributes to the millions of animal deaths each year. Reducing plastic usage, recycling, and volunteering to clean up natural areas are essential steps to mitigate this issue.
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Entanglement in plastic
Plastic pollution is a rising threat to all life on Earth, and it is hard to know exactly how many animals are killed by plastic pollution. However, it is safe to say that the numbers are still rising. It is estimated that 100,000 marine animals are killed by entanglement in plastic or ingestion of plastic each year. This figure does not account for the likely far larger number of animals lying at the bottom of the ocean, whose remains will eventually release the plastic for other animals to encounter.
The World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) states that plastic pollution affects ocean mammals through entanglement. The WWF works with entanglement response and stranding network partners to prevent entanglements and rescue entangled animals. Rescuers have developed specially designed tools and techniques to disentangle whales and other marine animals, such as large leatherback sea turtles, from small inflatable rescue boats.
To prevent entanglement, it is important to reduce plastic consumption and properly dispose of plastic waste. This includes eliminating unnecessary and disposable plastics, such as cups, plates, cutlery, straws, and shopping bags, as well as recycling and volunteering to clean up local parks, beaches, or wetlands.
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Plastic waste in landfills
Plastic is a significant contributor to the pollution of the planet and the killing of animals, both marine and land-based. While plastic is a recyclable product, it frequently ends up in landfills, where it remains for many decades due to its inability to easily break down.
The disposal of plastic waste in landfills has significant environmental and health risks. As plastic waste degrades, it breaks down into smaller particles, including microplastics, which can be transported by air and leachate to surrounding environments. Microplastics are a particular concern as they are often invisible to the naked eye, meaning animals unintentionally consume them. These tiny plastic bits are responsible for countless animal deaths.
The degradation of plastic waste in landfills can also lead to the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through oxidative photodegradation. These toxic substances pose risks to the environment and human health. The presence of microplastics in the environment can further exacerbate health risks by leading to the accumulation of non-biodegradable pollutants.
In many developing countries, such as Indonesia, landfills are often mismanaged, leading to significant plastic leakage into the environment. Studies have shown that a large percentage of landfills are located near waterways, increasing the risk of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems. This leakage can have multisectoral impacts on health, the environment, and the economy.
While landfills are designed to prevent any exchange with the surrounding environment, this is not always the case, especially in regions with lacking waste management infrastructure. The open burning of plastic waste is a common practice in these areas, releasing toxic emissions into the atmosphere.
To mitigate the harmful effects of plastic waste in landfills, improved waste management practices and policies are urgently needed. The best option is to limit plastic use through substitution with other materials or by reusing items. The second-best option is separate collection and recycling. However, if these options are difficult or unfeasible, disposal in controlled landfills is recommended to sequester the fossil carbon contained in the plastic.
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Microplastics in water sources
Plastic pollution has been a problem for almost as long as plastic has existed. It harms the environment and all the organisms that live in it, including humans. It is difficult to know exactly how many animals are killed by plastic pollution, but it is safe to say that the numbers are rising. Ocean Crusaders reports that plastic kills 1 million seabirds annually, and plastic entanglement kills an estimated 100,000 marine animals each year. This number is likely much higher, as many animals lying at the bottom of the ocean will release the plastic for other animals to encounter once they have decomposed.
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than five millimetres in diameter. They can be categorised into two types: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are tiny particles and microfibres that are shed from commercial products such as cosmetics, clothing, and other textiles, as well as fishing nets. Secondary microplastics are particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items, such as water bottles. Microplastics can enter water sources through various pathways and have been found in drinking water, oceans, freshwater, and water in the polar region. A global study on tap water samples found that up to 83% of these contained microplastic fibres.
Microplastics in water take centuries to decompose and can threaten biodiversity. They can contain toxic chemicals and attract microorganisms, including harmful viruses and bacteria. They are particularly prone to accumulating in freshwater systems, such as rivers, due to the relatively low speed of water flow.
The impact of microplastics on marine life is similar to that of larger plastics. Marine animals can become entangled in microplastics or ingest them, mistaking them for food. Fish larvae are four times more likely to eat microplastics than actual food. As microplastics are so small, they can be consumed by smaller organisms, which are then eaten by larger animals, resulting in the transfer of plastics up the food chain.
To reduce the impact of microplastics in water sources, it is important to reduce plastic pollution and improve waste management practices. This includes eliminating unnecessary disposable plastics, recycling, and supporting the development of new technologies and sustainable remediation methods to remove microplastics from water at a large scale.
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Single-use plastics
The issue with single-use plastics is that they frequently end up in the environment, where they harm plants and animals. Marine animals, in particular, are severely impacted by plastic pollution. They mistake plastic for food, such as jellyfish or squid, and consume it. Microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles, are easily ingested by marine animals and can lead to health complications and even death. Additionally, marine animals can become entangled in plastic debris, such as abandoned fishing lines and nets, which can result in injury or drowning.
The toxins present in plastics can accumulate in the bodies of animals over time, causing long-term health issues and making them more susceptible to diseases. These toxins can also move up the food chain, affecting species higher up, such as dolphins, whales, and even humans. According to estimates, more than 1 million seabirds and approximately 100,000 marine mammals die each year from ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic. This includes vulnerable species such as sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and seabirds.
To address the problem of single-use plastics, individuals can make conscious choices to reduce their plastic consumption and opt for reusable alternatives. Governments and businesses also have a role in promoting sustainable materials, improving recycling practices, and supporting legislation that limits or bans certain harmful plastic products. By working together, we can reduce the impact of single-use plastics on wildlife and the environment.
While the exact number of animal deaths caused by single-use plastics is challenging to determine, it is evident that the problem is severe and widespread. Single-use plastics contribute significantly to plastic pollution, which has devastating consequences for marine life, including entanglement, ingestion, and toxin accumulation. By making sustainable choices and advocating for systemic change, we can help reduce the impact of single-use plastics on the natural world.
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Frequently asked questions
It is difficult to know the exact number of animals that are killed by plastic, but it is estimated that 100 million marine animals die each year from plastic-related issues.
Animals can die from plastic in a number of ways. They can become entangled in plastic products, which can cut them, restrict their movement, or cause them to drown. They can also ingest plastic, which can choke them or cause intestinal blockages and internal bleeding.
Marine animals such as dolphins, sea turtles, sharks, whales, and sea lions are commonly killed by plastic. Seabirds are also affected, with an estimated 1 million seabirds killed by plastic annually. Land animals such as elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, and cattle have also been killed by plastic.
Many different types of plastic products can kill animals, including plastic bags, straws, bottles, fishing nets, and microplastics.
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