Alexei Volkov
Plastic pollution in our oceans is a pressing global crisis. While it is challenging to determine the exact amount of plastic in the ocean, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons entered the ocean in 2010, with 1 to 2 million tons continuing to enter annually. The primary source of ocean plastic pollution is land-based, with 80% of plastic in the ocean originating on land. The contamination of our oceans with plastic has been an ongoing issue for decades, but it has only recently gained widespread media attention and sparked concern for its effects on marine life and human health. The increasing prevalence of plastic in our oceans underscores the urgency of addressing the root causes of this crisis and taking preventive measures to protect our marine environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How much plastic is in the ocean | 15-51 trillion pieces |
| When did it start | 1950s |
| How did it get there | Thrown in the bin, landfill, mismanaged plastic waste, littering, rain and wind, streams and storm drains |
| Where does it come from | Land-based sources, including consumer goods, clothing, fishing nets, microfibers, microbeads, and plastic packaging |
| What are the effects | Marine life entanglement, ingestion by animals, and entry into the marine food chain |
| How can we address it | Reduce plastic use, commit to changing habits, participate in cleanups, dispose of waste properly, improve waste management strategies |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic production and pollution
Plastic pollution has become a pressing environmental issue, with plastic debris found across all ocean basins, ecosystems, habitats, and food webs. While the problem of plastic pollution has gained significant attention in recent years, the story of plastic in our oceans began decades ago.
The first man-made plastic, 'Parkesine', was developed in 1862 by Alexander Parkes, but it was not a commercial success. The first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was produced in 1907, marking the beginning of the global plastics industry. However, rapid growth in plastic production did not occur until the 1950s. Since then, annual plastic production has increased nearly 230-fold, with global production doubling in the last two decades. The world now produces around 350 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, and an estimated 1 to 2 million tonnes of plastic enters the oceans annually.
The primary source of ocean plastic pollution is land-based, with 80% of plastic in the ocean originating on land. Plastic waste can be blown away while being transported to landfills, or it can be washed down sinks and rivers, eventually making its way into the ocean. Once in the ocean, plastic decomposes very slowly, breaking into tiny pieces known as microplastics, which can enter the marine food chain and harm sea life. Microplastics have been found in the deepest parts of the ocean and even in Arctic sea ice.
To address the problem of plastic pollution, a combination of improved waste management strategies and reduced plastic production is necessary. While plastic production is an essential part of the global economy, it is crucial to explore more sustainable alternatives and improve recycling practices. Additionally, public awareness and small individual actions, such as reducing plastic consumption and properly disposing of plastic waste, can collectively make a significant impact on reducing plastic pollution.
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Mismanaged plastic waste
Plastic waste that is not recycled, incinerated, or stored in sealed landfills is considered mismanaged. Mismanaged plastic waste is at risk of leaking into the environment, including rivers, lakes, and the ocean. It is a significant contributor to plastic pollution in the oceans, with an estimated one to two million tonnes of plastic entering the oceans annually.
The probability that mismanaged plastic waste enters the ocean varies depending on factors such as the location and length of river systems, proximity to coastlines, terrain, and precipitation patterns. Mismanaged waste tends to be higher in low-to-middle-income countries due to poorer waste management infrastructure. According to a 2017 study, Asian countries contributed 86% of plastic emissions to the ocean.
The impact of mismanaged plastic waste on the oceans is severe. Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose, breaking down into microplastics that enter the marine food chain and harm marine life. Microplastics have been found in deep-sea sediments, Arctic sea ice, and even in seafood and sea salt consumed by humans.
To address the issue of mismanaged plastic waste, it is crucial to improve waste management strategies, especially in poorer countries. This includes implementing waste collection systems, promoting recycling, and supporting the development of fundamental waste management practices in countries with rapidly growing economies and increasing disposable plastic use. By tackling the problem at its source, we can prevent plastic from reaching the oceans and protect marine life and ecosystems.
Additionally, reducing the volume of plastics produced and used, as well as holding plastic producers accountable for their harmful waste, are essential steps in combating plastic pollution. Public awareness and engagement, corporate responsibility, and government action are all necessary to craft lasting solutions to this complex issue.
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Plastic entering the food chain
Plastic has been filling our oceans since at least the 1950s, when the global plastics industry experienced rapid growth. The first synthetic plastic, Bakelite, was produced in 1907, but mass production took off in the 1950s. Since then, plastic production has increased nearly 230-fold, with around 350 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually. It is estimated that between 1 and 2 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans each year.
Plastic enters the food chain in various ways, posing risks to both marine life and human health. Here are some key ways plastic enters the food chain:
- Direct ingestion by marine organisms: Marine animals, such as arrow worms, can directly ingest microplastics or get caught in plastic debris. These plastics can block their digestive tracts and interfere with their ability to consume food. When these organisms are eaten by predators higher up the food chain, plastics are transferred to those species.
- Bioaccumulation of toxins: When plastic ends up in the environment, it tends to bind with pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), heavy metals, and pesticides. These toxins can accumulate in the fat and tissue of animals through a process called bioaccumulation. As larger animals consume smaller ones, these toxins move up the food chain and can reach harmful concentrations.
- Contamination of food crops: Microplastics and nanoplastics have been found in fruit, vegetables, and crops sold in supermarkets and local markets. Crops can absorb these minuscule particles from the surrounding water and soil through tiny cracks in their roots. While most plastics accumulate in plant roots, there is still a risk of human consumption, and the long-term health effects of ingesting these plastics are not yet fully understood.
- Spreading of sludge on farmland: Sludge contaminated with microplastics and "forever chemicals" like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been used as fertiliser on farmland. This practice raises concerns about the potential for microplastics to enter the food chain through crop consumption.
- Breakdown of plastic waste: When plastic waste is not properly managed and ends up in landfills, it can be blown away and eventually reach rivers and oceans. Over time, plastic decomposes into microplastics, which can be ingested by marine life and enter the marine food chain.
These are just a few examples of how plastic enters the food chain. The impact of plastic pollution on both marine ecosystems and human health is a growing area of research, with an increasing number of studies highlighting the potential risks and negative consequences.
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Plastic waste solutions
Plastic waste is a pressing global issue that has attracted significant attention over the last decade. The annual production of plastics has increased nearly 230-fold over the last 70 years, reaching 460 million tonnes in 2019. The world produces around 350 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, with an estimated 1 to 2 million tonnes ending up in the oceans. This plastic pollution has severe and irreversible consequences for marine life and ecosystems, with plastic taking hundreds of years to fully degrade while leaching toxic chemicals.
To address this critical problem, several solutions and initiatives have been proposed and implemented:
- Reducing Plastic Consumption: The first step towards tackling plastic pollution is reducing plastic use. Consumers can make a significant impact by minimising their reliance on single-use plastics and opting for reusable alternatives. This includes using reusable bags, containers, cutlery, straws, and beverage bottles.
- Recycling and Proper Waste Management: While recycling alone cannot solve the plastics crisis, it remains crucial to reducing the impact of plastic waste. Individuals can actively recycle certain types of plastics, such as PET (#1) and HDPE (#2) containers, which are commonly accepted by recycling companies. Additionally, improving waste management strategies, especially in poorer countries, is vital to preventing plastic from entering rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Bans and Government Initiatives: Government interventions, such as the UK's ban on microbeads in cosmetic and cleaning products, play a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution. These regulations prevent the use of harmful plastic components and encourage the development and adoption of eco-friendly alternatives.
- Technological Innovations: Organisations like The Ocean Cleanup are developing advanced technologies to remove plastic from oceans and intercept it in rivers. Their goal is to eliminate 90% of floating plastic by utilising ocean cleanup systems and river interception technologies.
- Research and Education: Increased research efforts have expanded our understanding of plastic pollution, its sources, and its impacts on the environment. This knowledge informs policy decisions and encourages individuals to make more sustainable choices. Educational initiatives, such as encouraging zero-plastic-waste lunches in schools, also play a vital role in fostering environmental awareness and responsibility.
By implementing these solutions and continuing to raise awareness, we can collectively make a significant difference in addressing the global issue of plastic waste and mitigating its harmful effects on our oceans and marine life.
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Plastic in the ocean today
Plastic in the ocean is a pressing global issue today. It has been estimated that between 1 and 2 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans annually, with the total amount of plastic in the oceans ranging from 15 to 51 trillion pieces. This plastic pollution has far-reaching consequences for the environment, human health, and economies.
The primary source of ocean plastic pollution is land-based, with 80% of plastic in the ocean originating on land. This includes litter, trash, and debris from construction, ports, marinas, commercial and industrial facilities, and waste blown out of garbage containers, trucks, and landfills. Rivers play a significant role in transporting plastic from land to sea, with coastal cities in middle-income countries being the world's plastic emissions hotspots.
Once in the ocean, plastic can have devastating effects on marine life. It decomposes very slowly, breaking into tiny pieces known as microplastics, which can enter the marine food chain. Thousands of seabirds, sea turtles, seals, and other marine mammals are killed each year due to plastic ingestion or entanglement. It is estimated that by 2050, 99% of seabird species will have ingested plastic. Plastic pollution has also been found to transport invasive species and pollutants, further impacting the marine ecosystem.
The growing awareness of plastic pollution has led to increased research and policy attention. Efforts to reduce plastic pollution include improving waste management practices, banning microbeads in cosmetic and cleaning products, and advocating for the regulation of plastics as pollutants. However, with the projected increase in plastic production and consumption, urgent action is needed to address this global crisis.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic has been polluting our oceans since at least the 1950s, when its use became widespread.
It's hard to say exactly how much plastic is in the ocean, but scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons entered the ocean in 2010. Other estimates suggest that between 1 and 2 million tons of plastic enter the oceans each year.
The main source of ocean plastic pollution is land-based—80% of plastic in the ocean originates on land. Plastic can be blown away while being transported to landfills, washed down the sink, or swept into waterbodies by rain and wind.
We can all do our part to reduce plastic pollution by reducing our use of disposable and single-use plastic items, reusing and recycling items, and participating in local cleanups. Improving waste management strategies, especially in poorer countries, is also critical to tackling this issue.
