Maya Ellison
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that poses a significant threat to both human and animal health, as well as to the environment. While much attention has been given to the impact of plastic pollution in our oceans, it is important to recognise that plastic is also having a detrimental effect on our land. An estimated 20 million metric tons of plastic litter end up in the environment each year, and it is predicted that this figure will increase significantly by 2040. This plastic waste often ends up in landfills, where it can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, releasing potentially toxic substances into the soil and water. These toxic substances include additives such as phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), which can disrupt the hormone systems of both vertebrates and invertebrates. Furthermore, plastic pollution on land contributes to the spread of microplastics, which have been found in tap water, air, and even in human blood, lungs, and faeces. Sewage sludge, which often contains microplastics, is often applied to fields as fertiliser, leading to the contamination of our soils.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste in landfills
The primary concern regarding plastic waste in landfills is the formation and spread of microplastics (MPs). As plastic waste degrades, it breaks down into smaller particles, including MPs, which can be transported by air and leachate to surrounding environments. MPs have been found in municipal drinking water systems and drifting through the air, and they have even been detected in human blood, lungs, and faeces. The long-term effects of MP exposure are still being studied, but they have been linked to liver and cell damage and disruptions to reproductive systems in animals.
Another concern is the release of toxic emissions from plastic degradation. This includes the leaching of additives such as phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), which can disrupt the hormone systems of vertebrates and invertebrates. The degradation of plastic waste can also lead to the release of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through oxidative photodegradation, posing risks to both the environment and human health.
The management of plastic waste in landfills varies globally. In many low-to-middle-income countries, waste management infrastructure is lacking, leading to significant plastic leakage into the environment. Studies have shown that a considerable percentage of landfills are located near waterways, increasing the risk of plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems.
To mitigate the harmful effects of plastic waste in landfills, improved waste management practices and policies are necessary. This includes promoting recycling, reuse, and substitution with other materials. Microbial degradation has emerged as a promising alternative for managing plastic waste, with certain microorganisms and enzymes capable of degrading various synthetic plastics.
Overall, plastic waste in landfills is a critical issue that requires urgent attention to reduce its environmental and health impacts.
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Microplastics in soil
Plastic waste that is not recycled, incinerated, or disposed of in sealed landfills becomes an environmental pollutant. It is estimated that one-third of all plastic waste ends up in soils or freshwater. Most of this plastic disintegrates into particles smaller than five millimetres, known as microplastics, and these break down further into nanoparticles (less than 0.1 micrometres in size).
The sources of microplastics in soil include mulching film, sludge, wastewater irrigation, and atmospheric deposition. Sewage sludge, which contains plastic particles from garment fibres, is often applied to fields as fertiliser, contributing to the presence of microplastics in soil. Another potential source is tire wear, although the abundance of this source in relation to other particle types is yet to be determined.
The presence of microplastics in soil can have ecological impacts and potentially threaten human health. Microplastics can act as a vector for disease-causing organisms and toxic chemicals, which can enter the food chain and affect both animal and human health. While the full extent of the risks associated with microplastics in soil is not yet fully understood, researchers are working to address this knowledge gap and develop methods for microplastic extraction and identification in soil.
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Plastic's impact on wildlife
Plastic pollution is having a devastating impact on wildlife, affecting animals from microscopic creatures to large predators. It is estimated that one-third of all plastic waste ends up in soils or freshwater. This waste often breaks down into microplastics, which are tiny particles smaller than five millimetres in size. These microplastics can be ingested by animals, causing intestinal blockages and internal damage, sometimes leading to death.
Land-based animals, such as elephants, hyenas, zebras, and birds, are particularly vulnerable to plastic pollution. They may accidentally consume plastic waste, leading to intestinal blockages and internal bleeding, as seen in a tragic case involving a wild elephant in India. Birds can also get entangled in plastic, impeding their ability to fly and hunt.
Microplastics are not just limited to land; they have been found in aquatic ecosystems and even in the air and drinking water. Over 100 aquatic species, including fish, shrimp, and mussels, have been found with plastic in their digestive systems. While some expel the plastic without harm, it can also block digestive tracts, pierce organs, and cause starvation by reducing the urge to eat.
The impact of microplastics extends beyond individual animals, as they can pass plastics up the food chain to larger predators. Tests have confirmed liver and cell damage, as well as disruptions to reproductive systems, in various species. The long-term effects of microplastics on behaviour and gene expression are still being studied, but they pose a significant threat to wildlife and ecosystems.
The mismanagement of plastic waste, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries, is a critical factor in the pollution of our oceans and land. Improving waste management strategies and reducing plastic production are essential steps in mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on wildlife and the environment.
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Health effects of microplastics
Plastic pollution is one of the most serious environmental challenges of the 21st century. Microplastics are ubiquitous in the global environment and are found in the land, sea, air, water, food chain, and human body. Humans are exposed to microplastics through oral intake, inhalation, and skin contact.
The health effects of microplastics on humans are complex and variable, and there are major knowledge gaps in the scientific understanding of their impact. However, studies have shown that microplastics can cause damage to human cells, including allergic reactions and cell death. Microplastics have been detected in human blood, lungs, liver, lower limb joints, and even in the placentas of unborn babies.
Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals, acting as vectors of transport, and they themselves are a cocktail of hazardous chemicals added during production to increase polymer properties and prolong their life. These chemicals can be absorbed into the body and cause various diseases of the endocrine and reproductive systems. Microplastics have been linked to endocrine disruption, leading to metabolic disorders, developmental disorders, and reproductive disorders, including infertility, miscarriage, and congenital malformations.
Additionally, microplastics have been associated with oxidative stress, DNA damage, organ dysfunction, metabolic disorders, immune response, neurotoxicity, and reproductive and developmental toxicity. A recent study on mice showed microplastics moving through their brains and blocking blood vessels, raising concerns about potential long-term effects on neurological disorders and cardiovascular health.
While the full extent of the health impacts of microplastics is not yet known, some experts believe we are in the midst of a plastic health crisis. Urgent action is required to address plastic pollution and reduce the potential risks posed by microplastics to human health and the environment.
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Plastic waste management
Reduce Plastic Consumption
The first step in effective plastic waste management is to reduce plastic consumption. This can be achieved by encouraging the use of reusable alternatives, promoting recycling, and supporting businesses that use sustainable packaging. By reducing plastic consumption, we can decrease the overall volume of plastic waste that needs to be managed.
Improve Waste Management Strategies
Proper waste management is critical to preventing plastic pollution. This includes ensuring that plastic waste is recycled, incinerated, or disposed of in sealed landfills. Improving waste management infrastructure, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries, is essential to reducing plastic pollution. Domestic policies and foreign investments in waste management technologies and systems can play a significant role in this improvement.
Address Mismanaged Plastic Waste
Mismanaged plastic waste, which is not recycled, incinerated, or properly landfilled, poses a significant environmental threat. It is crucial to address this issue by providing access to controlled disposal services and regular waste collection for all communities. This includes improving global governance through agreements like the Basel Convention, which provides guidance for better management of plastic waste.
Sustainable Management of Plastics
Sustainable management of plastics involves using and reusing plastic materials throughout their lifecycle in an environmentally, economically, and socially responsible manner. This includes promoting recycling technologies and practices, as well as exploring alternative materials that have a lower environmental impact.
Raise Awareness and Education
Providing awareness and education about plastic waste management is essential. This includes informing the public about the adverse impacts of plastic waste on the environment and human health, as well as promoting sustainable practices and responsible consumption. Education can also focus on the importance of proper waste disposal and the potential risks associated with plastic pollution.
In conclusion, plastic waste management is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. By implementing these strategies and continuing to research and innovate, we can work towards reducing the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution on our land and ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic pollution refers to the plastic waste that has been mismanaged and has leaked into the environment. It is a major driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation and affects all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.
Plastic waste often ends up on land due to littering, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction, and agriculture. It can also come from landfills, where it may take up to 1,000 years to degrade, leaching potentially toxic substances into the soil.
Plastic pollution on land has various effects. It can impact wildlife, leading to ingestion, suffocation, or entanglement of species. It can also contaminate soil and water sources with toxic chemicals and microplastics, which can enter the food chain and potentially harm human health.
