How microplastics can disrupt Ecosystems and Public Health

Microplastic accumulation in soil and water disrupts the delicate ecosystem balance, posing a risk to biodiversity. Natural disasters such as floods should be considered contributing factors to plastic pollution. UNEP reported in 2023 that water conservation is already a concern in regions ranging from California to India due to leaking plastic waste. Most of the litter and pollution affecting the world’s largest oceans originates from plastics.

The most visible effect of microplastics is plastic-contaminated seafood, which transfers harmful chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol-A) and phthalates. People absorb plastic through their clothes, 70% of which are synthetic. WHO published (2018) the presence of microplastics in 90% of bottled water, the test of which revealed only 17 were free of plastics out of 259.

Plastic can be large and small; polluting plastics affect even the world’s tiniest organisms, such as plankton. When these organisms become poisoned due to plastic ingestion, it causes problems for the larger animals and disrupts the food chain.

Landfills and the Pacific have become dumping grounds for vast quantities of plastic waste. This has devastating consequences for the flora and fauna. As a result, wildlife, including marine animals, birds, and mammals, often mistake plastic debris and particles for food, leading to fatal consequences. Open burning of plastic pollutes the environment and releases toxic chemicals. Toxic, polluted air affects health and can cause several respiratory problems, like asthma.

Despite countless TV ads over the years showing ducks or dolphins trapped in six-ring plastic can holders, these items are still used and discarded daily. Plastic pollution causes significant damage to the world’s ecosystems because the mass of plastic has displaced animals or the toxins associated with it have poisoned them.

Millions of dollars are used to clean up the plastic-affected areas, along with the loss of life among plants, animals, and people. Since land is becoming more costly, simply finding a place to dump garbage becomes increasingly difficult in many parts of the world. Excess pollution leads to decreased tourism, thereby significantly impacting those economies.

Plastic Pollution Remedies

The plastic pollution issues require concerted efforts by individuals, companies, governments, and industries to agree to implement practices that reduce plastic waste on every level. Although complete plastic removal may not be feasible in the short term, the following measures may significantly reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices:

• Implement 3R formulas to encourage plastic reuse, strengthen recycling infrastructure, and implement effective waste management systems.
• Concentrations of ocean plastic can be detected by NASA satellite technology, created in 2016. This technology can detect microplastic concentrations in water by measuring its surface.
• The government should implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, collaborate between nations to address plastic pollution, support eco-friendly packaging alternatives, and invest in sustainable materials.
• A project known as PlasticRoad created a bike path in the Dutch city of Zwolle and a road in Overijssel in 2018 using 70% recycled plastic. Ahmad Khan created Polyblend to lay roads. It enhances road sustainability by three times.
• Scientists developed a magnetic coil that may attract microplastics in the ocean. This experimental nanotechnology can break down microplastic in the water without causing any harm to marine life.
• There are many differences in making green choices at home, and we must move away from the throwaway culture. We have to choose products with less plastic packaging and refrain from cosmetics and private hygiene products that contain microbeads. Think about the small dots in toothpaste and facial scrubs, a type of microplastic.
• Get involved, speak to lawmakers, and see how many special interest groups have made it so that they are dependent on plastic without needing to be.
• Microplastics are plastic pieces that are smaller than 5 mm in length. Synthetic clothes release 500,000 tons of microfibers, equivalent to 50 billion plastic bottles. The brain is the organ that is most affected by microplastics. In the UK, microbeads are banned.
• Plastic bottles contain Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET). It takes nearly 400 years to decompose naturally. US researchers (2022) created enzymes that can dissolve PET plastics within 48 hours.
• A practical way to prevent the spread of plastic pollution is local cleanup, an excellent example of collective action and removing all the litter. Ideonella sakaiensis bacteria can consume ocean plastics.
• Say no to extras when ordering takeout. This is such a simple fix that anyone may not think of it initially. When someone orders a takeaway, ensure not to add any cutlery.

Conclusion

The World Economic Forum found 78 million tonnes of plastic in 2016. 14% recycled, and 32% leaked into the environment. Many ecosystem components are affected, resulting in the loss of biodiversity. The world is healthier when it is clean and pollution is kept to a minimum or eliminated. The impact of waste on ecosystems and human health demands urgent action. People have to reduce plastic consumption, encourage sustainable alternatives, improve waste management systems, and raise awareness. It is time for collective work to save the environment.

References

• National Geographic. (2023). Plastic waste from Russia, the United States, Europe, South America, Japan, and China was found on Henderson Island.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Microplastics in drinking water: Analysis of bottled water revealing microplastic contamination.
• World Economic Forum. (2016). Plastic production and recycling statistics: annual production of 78 million tonnes of plastic.
• NASA. (2016). Satellite technology for detecting microplastics in oceans.
• PlasticRoad Project. (2018). Use of recycled plastics for constructing roads in Zwolle and Overijssel, Netherlands.
• UK Government. (2018). Ban on microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products.