Impacts of Oceanic Plastic Pollution
Author: Scarlett Dudson Image: ead72 - stock.adobe.com
It may seem obvious that plastic pollution has a negative effect on the Ocean and its many ecosystems, but many people don’t know the true extent of the impact that it has. The recent increase in plastic pollution has presented a multitude of problems both to humans and animals.
The plastic debris that has made its way into the Ocean has had a considerable impact on entire marine ecosystems. This is because many fish and sea birds mistake the particles for food and ingest them as a result which often leads to starvation as their stomachs have become full of plastic. Suffocation and entanglement are also threats to the aquatic wildlife, with many subsequently suffering with lacerations and infections. Furthermore, plastic waste that floats on the surface has become a way for invasive species to travel to other places where they disrupt food webs and biodiversity.
Furthermore, plastic pollution has been seen to have a negative impact on tourism as the aesthetic value of tourist destinations has been reduced by plastic waste. This is a considerable problem as the income generated from tourism in these areas is significantly reduced, impacting the economy as a whole. There also then has to be further economic costs to clean and maintain these sites. As a result, less money can be spent on infrastructure and increasing the quality of life of the population.
The effects of plastic pollution has been spread to human health as recent research has found microplastics in tap water, beer and salt. These plastics tend to contain carcinogenic chemicals that damage the endocrine system which can cause severe impacts on reproductive, immunological and neurological health. Moreover, when humans ingest seafood, they also ingest the plastic debris and microplastics that have accumulated up the food web. This contaminates and interferes with their digestive systems. It is unknown whether this is a hazard to human health as research is ongoing, but it should be known that, because of the chemicals plastic contains, it can pose a serious threat.
Finally, plastic pollution has contributed to climate change. When plastic is left in landfill, it releases methane, a prominent greenhouse gas. Also, when plastic waste is incinerated, it produces and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. This production of greenhouse gases increases emissions and contributes to the warming of Earth’s atmosphere which is followed by the well know devastating effects of climate change such as the rising sea level and coral bleaching.
Overall plastic pollution has a myriad of negative effects on both humans and marine ecosystems. These initial impacts will inevitably cause further damage to aquatic ecosystems as a whole as well as human health. To prevent this from occurring and reduce this damage, plastic pollution in the oceans must be managed and prevented at all costs. The ways that you can make a change as well as how we are already working towards a greener future will be discussed in the next blog.