Plastic's Impact: Devastating Marine Life And Ecosystems

Marine plastic pollution is a pressing issue that has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals. It is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the death of over 100,000 marine mammals annually. Once plastic enters the sea, it can travel to even the most remote areas of the ocean, where it accumulates into large gyres or becomes embedded in shorelines and coastal ecosystems. Over time, plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, making it nearly impossible to retrieve from the ocean. This plastic pollution has significant ecological effects, including entanglement, toxicological impacts via ingestion, suffocation, and the introduction of invasive species. These issues pose growing threats to biodiversity, trophic relationships, and socio-economic aspects, such as tourism, fishery, and human health.

Plastic entanglement

Plastic pollution has had a devastating impact on the marine ecosystem. It is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the death of more than 100,000 marine mammals every year. One of the most significant ways that plastic harms marine life is through entanglement. Large items of plastic, such as discarded fishing nets, can capture and entangle marine mammals, fish, and other creatures, preventing them from escaping and leading to starvation, injury, and increased vulnerability to predators.

Entanglement can have fatal consequences for marine life. In 2010, a California grey whale washed up dead on the shores of Puget Sound. An autopsy revealed that its stomach contained a variety of plastic items, including a pair of pants, a golf ball, over 20 plastic bags, small towels, duct tape, and surgical gloves. This tragic case illustrates the deadly impact of plastic pollution on marine mammals.

The problem of entanglement is not limited to large marine creatures. Plastic debris can also entangle smaller organisms, such as sea turtles and seabirds. For example, it is estimated that 86% of all sea turtle species and 44% of all seabird species have been impacted by marine plastic pollution. Entanglement can impede their movement, making it difficult for them to swim, fly, or feed, ultimately leading to starvation and increased susceptibility to predators.

The impact of plastic entanglement extends beyond the individual organisms affected. When marine creatures become entangled, it can disrupt their natural behaviours and movements, leading to changes in population dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Additionally, discarded fishing nets can smother and break coral reefs, hindering their healthy growth and further degrading marine ecosystems.

The pervasive nature of plastic pollution exacerbates the problem of entanglement. Once plastic enters the ocean, it can be carried by waves and storms to even the most remote regions. Over time, plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, making it increasingly difficult to retrieve. This means that plastic debris can persist in the marine environment for extended periods, continuing to entangle and harm marine life.

Plastic ingestion

Marine plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species. Plastic can affect marine species in a variety of ways, including ingestion.

Plastic debris in the ocean is often ingested by marine animals, causing injury and death. As plastic breaks down into smaller pieces, it can be mistaken for food by fish, seabirds and marine mammals. This can lead to internal blockages, starvation and toxic contamination. The ingestion of plastic can also have toxicological effects, as chemicals leached from the plastic can accumulate in the tissues of marine organisms, leading to health issues and potential reproductive problems.

The impact of plastic ingestion on marine life is significant. It is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the death of more than 100,000 marine mammals every year. This includes species such as sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals. The ingestion of plastic can also have indirect effects on marine ecosystems, as it can disrupt food chains and trophic relationships. For example, if a predator consumes a prey item that has ingested plastic, the plastic may pass up the food chain, potentially affecting the health of higher trophic levels.

Furthermore, the ingestion of plastic by marine organisms can have socio-economic impacts. For instance, the accumulation of plastic toxins in fish and other seafood items can affect the fishing industry, leading to reduced catches and economic losses. It can also impact human health, as people consume seafood containing plastic toxins, which can have unknown long-term effects.

Overall, plastic ingestion is a significant issue in the marine ecosystem, causing direct harm to marine life and indirect effects on trophic relationships and socio-economic aspects. The far-reaching impacts of plastic ingestion highlight the importance of addressing marine plastic pollution and finding solutions to reduce the amount of plastic entering our oceans.

Plastic toxicity

The microplastic level in different coastal and marine ecosystems ranges from 0.001-140 particles/m3 in water and 0.2-8766 particles/m3 in sediments. The accumulation rate of microplastics in coastal and marine organisms varies from 0.1-15,033 counts. These microplastics have toxicological effects when ingested by marine organisms.

The size of plastic particles plays a crucial role in how they adversely affect marine life. Large items of plastic can entangle marine mammals and fish, leading to starvation, injury, and increased vulnerability to predators. On the other hand, smaller microplastics can be ingested by marine organisms, causing toxicological effects and even fatalities.

Plastic waste in the ocean has no boundaries. Waves and storms can carry plastics to remote areas, where they accumulate into large gyres or become embedded in shorelines and coastal ecosystems. Over time, plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces, making it extremely difficult to retrieve from the ocean. This fragmentation increases the risk of ingestion and toxicological effects on marine organisms.

Marine species affected

Marine species are affected by plastic pollution in a variety of ways. Large items of plastic can entangle marine mammals and fish, preventing them from escaping and leading to starvation, injury and vulnerability to predators. Discarded fishing nets can smother and break coral reefs, stopping them from growing healthily. Plastic pollution has impacted at least 267 species worldwide, including 86% of all sea turtle species, 44% of all seabird species and 43% of all marine mammal species.

Smaller pieces of plastic can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to fatalities. In 2010, a California grey whale washed up dead on the shores of the Puget Sound. An autopsy revealed that its stomach contained a pair of pants, a golf ball, more than 20 plastic bags, small towels, duct tape and surgical gloves.

Microplastics, which are pieces of plastic smaller than 5mm, can have toxicological effects on marine organisms. The microplastic level of different coastal and marine ecosystems ranges from 0.001-140 particles/m3 in water and 0.2-8766 particles/m3 in sediments. The microplastic accumulation rate of coastal and marine organisms varies from 0.1-15,033 counts.

Impact on human health

Plastic pollution in the ocean has a huge impact on marine life, but it also has consequences for human health. The chemicals added to plastics during their production are toxic and have been linked to a variety of diseases in people. These chemicals are released during the production of plastics or added to plastics when they are made.

The toxins in plastics include lead, cadmium, and mercury, which have also been found in many fish in the ocean. This is very dangerous for humans, as we are at risk of consuming these toxins when we eat fish. Diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), contained in some plastics, is a toxic carcinogen. Other toxins in plastics are directly linked to cancers, birth defects, immune system problems, and childhood developmental issues.

The problem of plastic contamination in humans is globally spread, and it is almost impossible to determine the exact health effects of plastics on humans. However, it is evident that the chemicals in plastics are not healthy for humans.

The impact of plastics on human health is not limited to the improper disposal of plastics but involves all stages of the plastic life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials (especially petroleum) through manufacture, use, and disposal. The only way for this unsustainable plastic production to decrease would be a global staggering of the petroleum supply due to environmental concerns.

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