Littering's Impact: Water Pollution And Environmental Degradation

Littering is the improper disposal of waste products, and it has severe environmental and public health consequences. It can contaminate water sources, and as it degrades, it releases harmful chemicals and microplastics into water or soil, making it unsafe for humans and animals. For example, cigarette butts contain chemicals such as arsenic and formaldehyde, which can enter freshwater sources and negatively impact living beings. Additionally, plastic waste can persist in the environment, affecting marine animals and ecosystems. With approximately 8 million tons of plastic waste entering our oceans annually, it is crucial to understand the impact of littering on water pollution and explore ways to mitigate this issue through proper waste disposal, increased trash bins, and stronger littering laws.

Cigarette butts are the most littered item and are toxic to the environment

Cigarette butts are the most littered item worldwide, with an estimated 9.7 billion discarded along roadways and waterways. This is due to a combination of high smoking rates, the small size and low economic value of cigarette butts, and the common practice of smokers discarding their butts in the environment. In fact, 75% of smokers admit to littering their cigarette butts, with studies estimating that smokers litter as many as 65% of their cigarette butts.

Cigarette butts are toxic to the environment and do not easily biodegrade. They are made of plastic fibers, with nearly all cigarette filters (98%) composed of cellulose acetate, which only degrades under severe biological circumstances. Even under optimal conditions, it can take at least nine months for a cigarette butt to decompose. As a result, cigarette butts can persist in the environment for long periods, leaching toxic chemicals such as arsenic, lead, and formaldehyde. These poisons can contaminate soil and freshwater sources, causing water pollution and negatively impacting humans and animals.

Preliminary studies have shown that organic compounds, including nicotine, pesticide residues, and heavy metals, seep from cigarette butts into aquatic ecosystems. This contamination can be acutely toxic to fish and microorganisms, causing illness and death. For example, a laboratory study found that the chemicals leached from a single cigarette butt soaked in water for 24 hours were enough to kill 50% of the saltwater and freshwater fish exposed to it for 96 hours.

The environmental impact of cigarette butts extends beyond water pollution. They can also contribute to land and air pollution. As litter degrades, it releases chemicals and microparticles that are not natural to the environment. These toxins can be ingested by animals, causing entanglement, suffocation, or poisoning, and reducing biodiversity.

To address the issue of cigarette butt littering and its environmental consequences, several strategies have been proposed:

• Innovative designs: Introducing biodegradable or compostable filters, or other design innovations, to make cigarettes more environmentally friendly.
• Improved waste collection techniques: Implementing better waste collection mechanisms to efficiently collect and manage cigarette butt litter.
• Policy changes: Enforcing regulations, such as extended producer responsibility, to hold tobacco manufacturers accountable for the proper disposal of their products and reduce the negative environmental impact of tobacco waste.

Plastic waste is a concern due to its persistence in the environment

The persistence of plastic waste in the environment is due to its longevity, with some estimates suggesting plastic products can take at least 400 years to break down. Once plastic waste enters rivers and seas, it is difficult, if not impossible, to retrieve. While mechanical systems can be effective at collecting large pieces of plastic from inland waters, once the plastic breaks down into microplastics, they become virtually impossible to recover. These microplastics have been found in municipal drinking water systems, drifting through the air, and even in people.

The presence of plastic waste in the environment has harmful effects on both wildlife and human health. Plastic waste can entangle, suffocate, or poison animals, leading to a decrease in biodiversity. Birds, crucial for pollination and seed dispersal, are particularly affected as they consume plastic that resembles food. The chemicals in ingested plastic can impact the health and well-being of birds, causing illness or death, and can also damage their digestive tracts or block their digestive systems.

Additionally, plastic waste can contaminate water sources and release harmful chemicals and microplastics into the water and soil, making it unsafe for humans and animals alike. This contamination can cause liver and cell damage and disrupt reproductive systems in certain species. The issue of plastic waste is further exacerbated by inadequate collection and disposal of larger plastic debris, as well as the leakage of microplastics from various sources.

To address the concern of plastic waste, international cooperation is needed to reduce plastic production and improve waste management and recycling systems. While bans and taxes on single-use plastics exist in over 120 countries, more comprehensive regulations and innovative solutions are required to curb plastic consumption and improve collection and disposal methods.

Land-based littering is a major cause of aquatic trash

Land-based littering is a significant contributor to aquatic trash, with far-reaching consequences for the environment and human health. The improper disposal of waste on land is a major source of pollution in waterways, including rivers, lakes, and oceans.

When litter is left on the ground or improperly discarded, it can easily make its way into nearby storm drains, streams, and canals. Rain and wind carry this litter, ultimately leading to its entry into larger water bodies. This pathway is a significant one, with cigarette butts, a commonly littered item, often ending up in storm drains and travelling through stormwater systems that connect directly to waterways.

The impact of land-based littering on aquatic environments is profound. For instance, the EPA's Trash Free Waters program in the US refers to the garbage polluting waterways as "aquatic trash." This trash affects water quality, endangers plants and animals, and harms the natural beauty of outdoor spaces that are important for tourism and recreation.

The types of litter commonly found in aquatic environments include cigarette butts, plastic bottles, and food wrappers, which were the top three items collected on beaches in 2020. Plastic waste is of particular concern due to its persistence in the environment and widespread production and disposal. It is estimated that 8 million tons of plastic waste enter our oceans each year, with far-reaching consequences for marine life.

To address the issue of land-based littering and its impact on aquatic environments, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. This includes increasing public garbage bins and ensuring they are regularly emptied, implementing stronger littering laws with serious consequences, and promoting education and awareness about the environmental impact of littering. Additionally, supporting organisations dedicated to protecting nature and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly materials can help reduce the prevalence of aquatic trash.

Improper waste disposal has environmental and public health consequences

Improper waste disposal has serious environmental and public health consequences. It is one of the most important industries in the world, and without proper waste disposal, the massive production industries will quickly destroy the environment.

The consequences of improper waste disposal are both long and short-term. Chemicals that are not disposed of properly can pass through wastewater treatment systems and enter drinking water or oceans, leading to health hazards and harming biodiversity. Water contamination is a significant issue, with 60% of water pollution attributed to litter. Chemicals from items such as cigarette butts, which are the most frequently littered item, can leach into the soil and freshwater sources, impacting both humans and animals. Plastic waste is also a major concern, with approximately 8 million tons of plastic entering our oceans each year, leading to entanglement, suffocation, and ingestion by marine animals.

Soil and land pollution are also significant issues resulting from improper waste disposal. Garbage can block sunlight and nutrients necessary for plant growth, and toxic contaminants can decrease soil quality, killing plants and reducing biodiversity. This, in turn, affects the entire ecosystem, as birds and mammals that feed on insects and rodents suffer from a loss of food sources. Improper waste disposal can also create breeding grounds for pests such as rats, and lead to the spread of diseases that affect both humans and animals.

The burning of waste, especially open-air burning, contributes to air pollution, releasing toxins that cause respiratory issues and other health problems. It is estimated that over 40% of the world's litter is burned in this manner, with far-reaching consequences for the environment and public health.

The impact of improper waste disposal on human health and the environment is severe and cannot be overstated. It leads to irreparable damage to the environment, affecting habitats, ecosystems, air, water, and soil. It also has economic implications, with businesses risking reputation loss and professional ruin if they do not comply with waste management standards.

Birds are affected by litter as they mistake plastic for food

Birds are highly susceptible to the harmful effects of litter. They often mistake plastic for food, which can have fatal consequences. Birds play a crucial role in our ecosystem, helping with pollination and seed dispersal, as well as maintaining the balance in ecosystems by feeding on insects, rodents, and other small creatures.

Unfortunately, the presence of litter, especially plastic waste, poses a significant threat to their health and survival. Birds, due to their natural behaviours and instincts, are highly vulnerable to ingesting plastic litter. This ingested plastic can cause severe damage to their digestive systems, leading to bowel obstructions and intestinal perforations. The accumulation of plastic in their stomachs also reduces their capacity to consume food, resulting in starvation.

Additionally, the chemicals secreted by the ingested plastic can have detrimental effects on the health of both adult birds and chicks. These chemicals can impact kidney function, cholesterol levels, and even physical attributes such as bill and wing length. The presence of litter in natural environments can contaminate water sources, which birds rely on for drinking, causing further health issues or even death.

The Flesh-Footed Shearwater, for instance, is one of the most affected marine bird species, with approximately 90% of fledglings found to have plastic in their stomachs. This plastic ingestion has been linked to impaired health and early mortality in these birds. Furthermore, the increasing presence of plastic litter, such as discarded fishing gear, has led to entanglement cases in birds, causing injuries, drowning, and suffocation.

The impact of litter on birds underscores the importance of proper waste disposal and the need to address the growing problem of plastic pollution to protect these vital members of our ecosystems.

Frequently asked questions