Alexei Volkov
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing global issue. Plastic debris in the ocean, which comes from a variety of land and ocean-based sources, does not fully biodegrade and can persist for decades or even centuries. It accumulates in subtropical gyres, with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California, being the most polluted and well-studied area. Plastic pollution has detrimental effects on marine life, leading to entanglement, ingestion, and habitat damage. It also enters the marine food chain, with potential health risks for humans who consume seafood. The pervasive nature of plastic pollution has reached even the most remote locations, including Antarctica and the Mariana Trench. With increasing plastic production and improper waste disposal, urgent action is needed to address this crisis and reduce plastic pollution in our oceans.
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What You'll Learn
Plastic's impact on marine life
Plastics are the most common form of marine debris, and their impact on marine life is devastating. Plastic pollution affects all marine ecosystems, from the Arctic ice sheets to the sea floor, and the problem is growing into a crisis.
Plastic in the ocean comes from a variety of land and ocean-based sources. On land, plastic pollution results from littering, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction, and agriculture. In the marine environment, plastic pollution comes mainly from land runoff, paint shed from shipping, and discarded fishing gear. Once in the ocean, plastic accumulates in huge subtropical oceanic areas called gyres, massive circular currents that trap floating plastic for decades, if not centuries. The most polluted gyre is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located in the North Pacific Ocean between Hawaii and California.
Plastic pollution is deadly to marine wildlife, causing ingestion and entanglement. Marine species often mistake plastic for prey, leading to internal injuries and slow and painful starvation. Research indicates that half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, and hundreds of thousands of seabirds ingest plastic every year. Seabirds have been found with high amounts of plastic in their stomachs, leading to a condition called "plasticosis", where scarring makes it hard for them to digest food and get the necessary nutrients. Large items of plastic can entangle marine mammals and fish, leading to starvation, injury, and vulnerability to predators. It is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the death of more than 100,000 marine mammals every year.
In addition to the visible impacts of ingestion and entanglement, plastic pollution also has insidious effects on marine life. Microplastics, which are smaller than 5mm, can be ingested by marine organisms, transferring toxins to their fatty tissues. Zooplankton that ingest microplastics consume less carbon biomass, and their fecal pellets sink at a lower rate, potentially impacting the carbon pump. As apex predators like great white sharks and orcas consume prey that has ingested microplastics, these toxins bioaccumulate in their bodies.
The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is widespread and severe, and it is essential to address this global crisis through reduced plastic usage, improved waste management, and policy changes to regulate plastics as pollutants.
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The Great Pacific Garbage Patch
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue that has become a global crisis. It is estimated that there are 15 to 51 trillion pieces of plastic in the world's oceans, with plastic debris being the most common form of marine waste. This pollution has a detrimental and deadly impact on marine life, with thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine animals dying each year from ingesting plastic or getting entangled in it.
The GPGP formed due to the convergence of ocean currents, specifically the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre, which is composed of the California Current, the North Equatorial Current, the Kuroshio Current, and the North Pacific Current. This gyre creates a stable center that traps debris, including plastic waste, in a circular motion. The plastic in the GPGP originates from a variety of land and ocean-based sources, with 80% estimated to come from land-based sources and the remaining 20% from boats and other marine sources. A significant portion of the plastic comes from the fishing industry, with synthetic fishing nets making up nearly half of the mass of the patch, according to a 2018 study.
The impact of the GPGP on marine life is significant. Research has shown that the patch has 180 times more plastic than biomass, indicating that plastic could be a primary food source for organisms in the region. Fish in the North Pacific ingest large amounts of plastic each year, leading to intestinal injuries and death, and transferring plastic up the food chain. Additionally, entanglement and ingestion of plastic have impacted 914 megafaunal species, with more than 100 of them being endangered.
Efforts are being made to address the issue of plastic pollution and clean up the GPGP. The Ocean Cleanup project, for example, has removed over one million pounds of trash from the patch by 2024, but the patch is believed to be rapidly accumulating, increasing the urgency of the situation. Reducing plastic use, improving waste management practices, and participating in cleanup efforts are crucial steps in mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on our oceans.
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Plastic entering the food chain
Plastic is the most common form of marine debris, and it can enter the ocean in many ways. Once in the water, plastic debris never fully biodegrades. It persists for long periods, wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems. The oldest pieces of plastic found in ocean cleanups date back to the 1960s, and during this entire period, marine life has suffered the consequences.
Plastic in the ocean comes from a variety of sources, both land and ocean-based. On land, littering, including intentional littering and improper disposal of trash, is a significant contributor. Rain and wind can sweep litter into nearby water bodies, which then flow into streams and storm drains, eventually carrying the debris directly into the ocean or Great Lakes. Another source of plastic in the ocean is abandoned or lost fishing gear and nets.
In the ocean, plastic accumulates in huge subtropical areas called gyres, massive circular currents that trap floating plastic for decades or even centuries. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between Hawaii and California, is the most polluted and well-studied gyre. It is estimated to be twice the size of Texas and contains around 100 million kilograms of plastic, with 1.8 trillion pieces larger than 0.5 mm.
Plastic entering the ocean has severe ecological consequences, including entanglement and ingestion by marine organisms. Research indicates that half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, and hundreds of thousands of seabirds ingest plastic each year. Marine mammals, such as endangered Hawaiian monk seals, are also affected, with large amounts of plastic debris found in their habitats.
Plastic enters the food chain through a process called "trophic transfer." Animals ingest microplastics, which then accumulate in their bodies. When these animals are eaten by predators or other animals higher up the food chain, the microplastics are passed on. This transfer of microplastics through the food chain can impact various species, including marine organisms and humans.
Microplastics have been found in seafood, tap water, salt, and other sources. Studies indicate that plastic can pass through the blood-brain barrier in mice within two hours of consumption. While the long-term health effects are not yet fully understood, research suggests that microplastics pose acute and chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, and developmental toxicity risks. Additionally, chemicals added during plastic production can disrupt the endocrine system and hormones regulating growth and development.
The impact of plastic on the food chain extends beyond marine ecosystems. Microplastics have been detected in fruit and vegetables sold in supermarkets and by local sellers. Crops absorb nanoplastic particles from surrounding water and soil through tiny cracks in their roots. While most plastics accumulate in plant roots, there are concerns about their presence in the food we eat.
Addressing the issue of plastic in the ocean and its entry into the food chain requires a multifaceted approach. Reducing plastic use, reusing and recycling plastic items, and participating in cleanup efforts are essential strategies. Additionally, proper waste management and disposal techniques are crucial to prevent plastic from entering water bodies.
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Sources of plastic pollution
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing environmental issue that poses a threat to the health of the planet and its inhabitants. The main source of ocean plastic pollution is land-based, with 70% to 80% of plastic transported from land to sea via rivers or coastlines. Poor waste management practices, littering, and runoff from nonpoint sources such as farms and vehicles contribute significantly to this issue. Rivers, particularly those in Asia and with large river basins, are significant conduits of plastic pollution, carrying plastic waste from inland areas to the ocean.
Human activities play a crucial role in the pollution of oceans with plastic. Increasing consumption and improper waste management have led to the widespread problem of plastic pollution, impacting the environment, human health, and economies. Plastic waste is often lightweight and easily blown away, ending up in landfills or directly in water bodies. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags and styrofoam containers, can take hundreds of years to biodegrade, persisting in the ocean and causing long-term harm.
Economic sectors, such as agriculture and construction, contribute significantly to plastic pollution. The agriculture sector produces macroplastics through irrigation pipes, fertilizing pellets, and containers, which often find their way into water bodies. The construction industry, especially large infrastructure projects, generates a substantial amount of plastic waste. Tourism is another factor, increasing plastic pollution through the development of new infrastructure and services.
Fishing-related activities are a notable source of ocean plastic pollution. Abandoned, lost, or derelict fishing gear, such as nets, lines, and ropes, and buoys, can account for a significant portion of plastic mass in certain regions, such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Marine animals often become entangled in or ingest plastic debris, leading to severe consequences for marine life and ecosystems.
Additionally, secondary microplastics, formed from the degradation of larger plastic objects, are a significant source of ocean plastic pollution. Vehicle tires and synthetic clothing are two major sources of secondary microplastics that originate on land. These microplastics are challenging to clean up due to their small size and can impact a wide range of species, including humans, through bioaccumulation in the marine food chain.
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Preventing plastic pollution
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. It affects all zones of the ocean, from the equator to the poles, and has severe consequences for marine life and ecosystems. Here are some ways to prevent plastic pollution and protect our oceans:
Reduce Plastic Usage
The first step is to reduce our reliance on plastic, especially single-use plastic items like water bottles, takeout containers, and plastic bags. Opt for reusable alternatives whenever possible. By cutting down on plastic consumption, we can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.
Proper Waste Disposal and Recycling
Proper waste disposal and recycling are crucial in preventing plastic pollution. Ensure that plastic waste is disposed of correctly and responsibly. Recycle plastic items whenever possible—currently, only about 9% of plastic is recycled globally, so there is a lot of room for improvement. Support legislation that promotes recycling and limits the use of unnecessary single-use plastic items.
Participate in Cleanups
Volunteer for beach or waterway cleanups in your local community or join global initiatives like the International Coastal Cleanup. By removing plastic waste from beaches and oceans, you can make a direct impact in mitigating plastic pollution. Organisations like The Ocean Cleanup are dedicated to removing plastic waste from oceans and rivers and rely on donations and volunteers to achieve their goals.
Support Organisations and Awareness Campaigns
Support non-profit organisations working to reduce and eliminate ocean plastic pollution, such as the Oceanic Society, Plastic Pollution Coalition, and The Ocean Cleanup. Spread awareness about plastic pollution by educating yourself and others through documentaries, campaigns, and conversations with friends and family. Stay informed about the issues and support global efforts, such as the global plastics treaty signed by 175 United Nations member states, to reduce plastic pollution.
Sustainable Choices and Lifestyle Changes
Make sustainable choices in your daily life, such as using less water, choosing non-toxic chemicals, and buying sustainable seafood. Reduce your overall consumption and waste, and opt for reusable items instead of disposable ones. Choose energy-efficient options whenever possible, such as fuel-efficient vehicles or energy-efficient light bulbs. These small changes can collectively make a significant impact in reducing plastic pollution and preserving our ocean ecosystems.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is the most common form of marine debris. It affects marine life in many ways, including entanglement, ingestion, and damage to their habitats. It also affects humans when consumed via seafood. Plastic can pass through the blood-brain barrier in mice as quickly as 2 hours after consumption and can potentially cause acute and (sub)chronic toxicity, carcinogenicity, and developmental toxicity.
Plastic reaches the ocean through various land and ocean-based sources. It is often a result of littering, improper waste disposal, or illegal dumping. Rain and wind can sweep plastic debris into nearby water bodies, and it can also enter the ocean through streams, storm drains, and rivers.
To reduce plastic in the ocean, individuals can reduce their plastic usage, recycle or reuse plastic items, and participate in cleanup efforts. On a larger scale, policies, regulations, and initiatives at the global, regional, and national levels are crucial in addressing plastic pollution.
