Omar Khalid
The amount of plastic in the ocean is a pressing issue, with an estimated 8 million tons of plastic entering the ocean each year, according to early studies. More recent research suggests the figure is between 1 and 1.7 million tons. While a large amount of plastic floats on the surface, the missing plastic problem remains a puzzle for researchers. It is now believed that a significant portion of plastic waste sinks to the bottom of the ocean, with one source estimating that 70% of plastic in the ocean ends up on the ocean floor. This is due to processes such as biofouling, where organisms like barnacles attach to plastic, weighing it down and causing it to sink to lower depths. The plastic then accumulates in trench traps, deep-sea currents that funnel debris into trenches like the Mariana Trench.
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What You'll Learn
The 'missing plastic problem'
Of the 8 million tons of plastic that enter the ocean each year, only a quarter of a million tons are estimated to be floating on the surface. So, where is the rest of it? Researchers suspect that it is sinking to the bottom of the ocean, where it is out of reach for cleanup efforts. This is supported by the discovery of plastic in the guts of amphipods living in the Mariana Trench, 36,000 feet below sea level.
There are several ways in which plastic can sink to the bottom of the ocean. One way is through biofouling, where organisms from bacteria to barnacles amass on plastic, weighing it down and causing it to sink to lower depths. Over time, these particles can rain down alongside organic fecal matter or marine snow and may be eaten by midwater and seafloor organisms that mistake them for food. Additionally, deep-sea currents, known as thermohaline currents, can sweep plastic into trenches, where they accumulate in what is known as a "trench trap".
The amount of plastic that sinks to the ocean floor is estimated to be between 0.2 and 18.2 million tons per year. However, it is challenging to determine the exact amount as the fate of plastics in the ocean is complex and varies depending on factors such as buoyancy and chemical composition. Some plastics are designed with durability in mind and can take up to 450 years to degrade, while others break down at much faster rates.
The presence of plastic in the ocean, particularly at great depths, poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems. As plastic breaks down into microplastics, they can be consumed by small organisms, leading to a buildup of toxins in their bodies. This can potentially crash food webs as these organisms are a source of nutrition for larger predators. Addressing the "missing plastic problem" requires improved plastic management strategies and a reduction in plastic waste to protect the health and sustainability of our oceans.
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How plastic sinks: biofouling and trench traps
The "missing plastic problem" refers to the fact that the amount of plastic floating on the ocean's surface is significantly less than the amount of plastic that flows into the ocean. One explanation for this discrepancy is that a large proportion of plastic sinks to the bottom of the ocean.
Biofouling
Biofouling is the process by which microorganisms colonize plastic, causing it to sink to lower depths. This process can be influenced by the relative surface area of the plastic, with smaller pieces having higher surface area-to-volume ratios being more susceptible to biofouling. Molecular data has confirmed the presence of a variety of bacteria and eukaryotes (including animals and other multicellular organisms) on plastic over time. The growth of these organisms on plastic increases its density, causing it to sink. Field surveys have found that polyethylene and polypropylene, the two most abundant buoyant plastics, occur below the surface and in sediments, indicating that biofouling can cause these plastics to sink.
Trench traps
Deep-sea currents, known as thermohaline currents, can sweep plastic debris into trenches, where they accumulate. This "trench trap" is highly effective at funneling debris, and researchers have detected plastics in nearly all of the world's deepest trenches, including the Mariana Trench, the Philippine Trench, the Cayman Trench, and the Java Trench. The Mariana Trench, for example, is 36,000 feet below sea level, and researchers have found plastic in the guts of more than 70% of the amphipods (shrimp-like creatures) collected from this trench.
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Plastic in the Mariana Trench
The Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth, is not immune to the global plastic pollution crisis. In 2019, explorer Victor Vescovo broke the record for the deepest ever dive and found plastic waste on the seafloor of the Mariana Trench. This was the third time humans had reached these extreme depths, and the second time plastic had been observed there.
The plastic waste found in the Mariana Trench includes items like a plastic bag and sweet wrappers. It is estimated that 89% of the plastic in the trench is single-use plastic, such as disposable utensils and plastic water bottles. This plastic pollution has been found to interact with marine life, with animals becoming entangled in the debris. A study found that plastic was present in the guts of more than 70% of amphipods (shrimp-like creatures) collected from the trench.
The plastic pollution in the Mariana Trench likely originates from various sources in heavily populated regions. Plastic waste can enter the ocean directly, such as litter blown from beaches or discarded from ships. However, a significant portion of the plastic flows into the sea from rivers that traverse densely populated areas. A study published in 2017 identified 10 rivers that contribute the most plastic pollution, as they run through heavily populated regions.
The discovery of plastic in the Mariana Trench highlights the severity of the global plastic pollution crisis and the need for urgent action to address it. With plastic waste reaching even the deepest parts of the ocean, it is clear that no part of the ocean is untouched by human impact. The plastic pollution in the trench also poses a threat to the diverse range of species that inhabit this unique deep-sea environment.
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Plastic management strategies
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing global issue. While the exact amount of plastic in the ocean is uncertain, it is estimated that between 1 million and 1.7 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean each year, with some estimates reaching 8 million tonnes. Of this plastic, only a small fraction remains buoyant on the surface, with most sinking to the seabed or becoming trapped and resurfacing along the shoreline.
To address this issue, various plastic waste management strategies have been proposed and implemented:
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): This strategy advocates holding manufacturers responsible for the end-of-life management of their plastic products. By extending the responsibility beyond the consumer, manufacturers are encouraged to design products with sustainability in mind and implement proper waste management practices.
- Employee Education and Waste Audits: Educating employees on plastic waste reduction strategies, such as proper sorting and disposal practices, can foster a culture of environmental responsibility within organizations. Regular waste audits help identify areas for improvement and track progress in reducing plastic waste.
- Reusable Alternatives: Providing reusable options instead of single-use plastics is a crucial step. This includes offering reusable water bottles, mugs, cutlery, and shopping bags. Investing in durable alternatives, such as stainless steel or glass containers, not only reduces plastic waste but also provides a more sustainable option for consumers.
- Proper Disposal and Recycling: Partnering with reputable waste management companies ensures proper plastic waste collection, recycling, and consultation. Encouraging the use of recyclable materials and educating consumers about proper disposal methods through transparent labeling can further promote responsible waste management.
- Enzyme Technology: Scientists are currently developing plastic-eating enzymes designed to break down plastic more efficiently. These enzymes hold promise in addressing the existing plastic pollution in the environment and preventing future accumulation.
- Landfills and Incineration: While landfills and incineration are commonly employed, they are not sustainable long-term solutions due to their negative environmental and human health impacts.
- Pyrolysis and Liquefaction: These techniques offer benefits such as the production of char and fuel, but their high energy requirements limit their overall advantages.
- Road Construction and Tar, Concrete Production: Utilizing plastic waste in road construction and concrete production has been identified as a favourable strategy due to its ease of localization, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and increased durability of manufactured materials.
By implementing these management strategies and promoting sustainable practices, we can significantly reduce plastic waste and work towards a healthier planet.
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How plastic enters the ocean
Plastic is the most common form of marine debris, and it is causing incalculable environmental damage. It is tough to say exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, but it is estimated that about 0.5% of global plastic waste ends up in the ocean, which is about 1.7 million tonnes per year. Other estimates put the figure at 5 to 13 million metric tons of plastic entering the ocean each year, with 8 million tons being a commonly cited figure.
There are many ways plastic gets into the ocean. Firstly, rivers are a major contributor, with about 80% of plastics entering the oceans being transported by rivers. This includes litter, windblown debris, industrial and municipal waste, and wastewater. Stormwater can sweep plastic litter into rivers, and it can also be washed out to sea through storm drains. In addition, agricultural runoff, especially from areas where municipal sewage sludge is used as fertiliser, carries microplastics into rivers, which then flow into the ocean.
Maritime transport and fishing practices are also significant sources of plastic pollution in the ocean. Waste from boats is responsible for almost half of the pollution in the North Pacific Garbage Patch. In addition, a large amount of plastic enters the ocean from littering and inadequate waste management, particularly in regions lacking proper waste infrastructure. For example, nearly one-quarter of the world's plastic waste is mismanaged or littered, and a lot of this will end up in the ocean.
Finally, even when plastic waste is disposed of correctly, it can still end up in the ocean. Landfills are often located near the coast, and plastic can be carried off by the wind or washed out to sea through storm drains. In addition, as plastic breaks down into microplastics, they can be sucked into ocean whirlpools, forming huge floating islands of plastic such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
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Frequently asked questions
Approximately 5 to 13 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, making up at least 80% of all debris found in the sea.
It is estimated that 35.5% of plastic entering the ocean is non-buoyant and sinks close to the ocean entry point. Over time, roughly 70% of the plastic that ends up in the ocean sinks to the ocean floor.
Plastics in the ocean are exposed to corrosive saltwater, ultraviolet (UV) rays, and crashing waves that break them down into finer particles. Biofouling, the process of organisms from bacteria to barnacles amassing on plastic, can also weigh plastics down, causing them to sink to lower depths.
