D4.2.10 Effects of microplastic and macroplastic pollution of the oceans Notes

Plastic Pollution Persists for Centuries, Threatening Oceans

1. Plastic is made of durable synthetic polymers that resist degradation, breaking into smaller pieces over time but never fully decomposing.
2. This persistence has made it a major threat to marine ecosystems.

Why Does Plastic Pollution Last So Long?

1. Durability of Plastics: Synthetic polymers are designed to resist environmental breakdown.
2. Slow Degradation: Plastics fragment into smaller particles but take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose.

Macroplastics Harm Marine Animals Through Entanglement and Ingestion

1. Entanglement: Marine animals like sea turtles and seals get trapped in fishing nets, leading to injury or death.
2. Ingestion: Animals mistake plastic for food.

Microplastics Are Tiny Particles With Massive Impact

1. Microplastics arise from the breakdown of larger plastics, microbeads in cosmetics, and synthetic fibers from clothing.
2. They've been detected in virtually every marine ecosystem studied, from Arctic ice, deep ocean trenches, and even in marine animals' tissues.

Plastic Pollution Destabilizes Marine Ecosystems

1. Loss of Biodiversity:
   1. Species ingesting or becoming entangled in plastic face population declines.
   2. Reduced biodiversity impacts ecosystem stability.
2. Disruption of Food Webs:
   1. Affected key species alter predator-prey dynamics.
   2. This destabilizes the entire food web.
3. Chemical Pollution:
   1. Plastics release harmful toxins like carbon compounds.
   2. Toxins bioaccumulate and biomagnify, impacting organisms across trophic levels.

Addressing Plastic Pollution Through Awareness and Action

1. Scientific Discoveries Drive Awareness

1. Research, such as the discovery of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, has brought global attention to the issue.
2. Studies on microplastics have revealed their pervasive presence, even in remote locations.

2. Policy and Behavior Changes Combat Pollution

1. Policy Interventions: Many nations have banned single-use plastics or enforced stricter recycling regulations.
2. Consumer Behavior: Awareness campaigns encourage reducing plastic use and supporting sustainable alternatives.

Example

Reusable bags and biodegradable packaging have gained popularity as environmentally friendly substitutes.