Plastic Pollution: Killing Animals, Destroying Ecosystems

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that affects all wildlife, including those in the ocean and on land. It is estimated that up to 13 million tons of plastic waste enter the ocean each year, threatening marine ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them. Plastic pollution can harm animals in various ways, from entanglement and injury to ingestion and toxic contamination. Small plastic fragments can sit on the water's surface, leading seabirds and other marine species to mistake them for food, causing suffocation, starvation, and toxic contamination. In addition, plastic waste can encourage the growth of pathogens in the ocean, increasing the likelihood of disease in corals and other marine organisms. Furthermore, microplastics can pass through animals' digestive systems, leading to liver and cell damage, reproductive issues, and biochemical changes. The presence of microplastics in the environment, including water sources, soil, and food, poses a significant threat to both animal and human health.

Plastic ingestion

The problem of plastic ingestion extends beyond the marine environment. Microplastics have been detected in agricultural soils, freshwater sources, and even the air we breathe. Terrestrial microplastic pollution has led to a decline in species that live below the surface, such as mites, larvae, and other tiny creatures, reducing soil fertility. Laboratory studies on rodents have shown that microplastics can spread to various organs and tissues, causing biochemical changes, structural damage, and dysfunction.

The impact of plastic ingestion on animal health is a growing area of research, and the full extent of its effects is yet to be understood. However, it is clear that plastic ingestion poses a significant threat to wildlife, contributing to starvation, suffocation, and long-term health issues.

Entanglement

Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing issue that affects all wildlife, including those in the ocean and on land. Marine plastics are contributing to the death of more than 100,000 marine mammals every year. One of the ways in which plastic pollution harms marine animals is through entanglement.

Large marine mammals, such as whales, are particularly susceptible to entanglement due to their size and the vast range of their movements. For example, a gray whale that died near Seattle in 2010 was found to have more than 20 plastic bags and other debris in its stomach. This tragic incident highlights how plastic pollution can have fatal consequences for these majestic creatures.

In addition to whales, other marine animals such as sea turtles, dolphins, seals, and seabirds are also at risk of entanglement. Sea turtles, for instance, have been found with plastic waste wrapped around their bodies or stuck in their shells, hindering their ability to swim and survive in the ocean.

The problem of entanglement is not limited to the oceans. On land, animals such as birds and other wildlife can become entangled in plastic waste, such as discarded plastic bags or packaging materials. This can restrict their movement, cause injuries, and even lead to death.

Starvation

Plastic pollution in water has a detrimental effect on animals, causing starvation, injury, and death.

Seabirds

Seabirds are affected by plastic water pollution as they mistake small plastic fragments that float on the water's surface for food. These plastic pieces can cause blockages in their digestive tracts, leading to starvation or even death. Some birds are able to regurgitate the plastic, but others, like petrels, struggle to do so. Northern fulmars, for example, ingest plastic pellets, and the species is now monitored as an indicator of pellet pollution levels in the North Sea. It is estimated that 60% of all seabird species have eaten plastic, and this number is predicted to increase to 99% by 2050.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles often mistake floating plastic garbage for their prey, such as jellyfish or sponges, and ingest it. This ingested plastic can cause internal injuries, intestinal injury, and intestinal blockages, which can lead to starvation and death. Additionally, if a sea turtle consumes too much plastic, it can become positively buoyant and unable to dive, making it more vulnerable to predators and boats. Research indicates that half of the sea turtles worldwide have ingested plastic, and in a recent study, almost half of the examined loggerhead sea turtles had consumed plastic debris, with one turtle ingesting 67 pieces.

Marine Mammals

Marine mammals, such as whales, seals, and dolphins, are also affected by plastic water pollution. They can accidentally ingest plastic or become entangled in it, leading to injuries, reduced mobility, and vulnerability to predators. Whales, in particular, may mistake balloons for prey, gulping them down and causing blockages in their digestive tracts, which can lead to starvation.

Land Animals

Land-based animals, including elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, and cattle, are also impacted by plastic pollution. They may accidentally consume plastic waste, leading to intestinal blockages, piercing of internal organs, and starvation.

Overall, plastic water pollution poses a significant threat to animal life, leading to starvation and other harmful consequences.

Habitat destruction

Plastic water pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with plastic waste reaching every corner of the natural world, from the Mariana Trench to Mount Everest. The effects of plastic pollution on animals are widespread and deeply concerning, and it is a problem that demands immediate attention.

Plastic pollution causes habitat destruction for animals in several ways. Firstly, plastic waste can physically destroy and disrupt habitats. For example, plastic debris can smother coral reefs, preventing them from receiving essential sunlight and stifling their growth. This, in turn, weakens the entire ecosystem that relies on the coral. Mangroves, which provide protection and stabilisation to coastlines and enrich coastal waters, are also threatened by plastic waste. Marine debris, including large pieces of plastic and derelict vessels, can become trapped in the trees and their roots, blocking the movement of water and decreasing water quality. Abandoned vessels can also crush mangrove trees and leak contaminants.

Plastic waste can also act as a barrier, making it difficult for animals to access their habitats. For example, plastic debris can restrict the flow of oxygen in deep-water environments, impacting the animals that live there. Additionally, large debris, such as shipping containers, can crush habitats and release toxins into the sediment, further damaging the ecosystem.

Coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and salt marshes all play a crucial role in protecting coastal communities from tropical storms and flooding. However, their effectiveness is limited when these habitats are damaged by plastic marine debris. Coastal communities also rely on these habitats for food and tourism, which can be affected by the presence of plastic waste.

Another way plastic pollution causes habitat destruction is by disrupting the natural balance and functioning of ecosystems. As plastic waste accumulates, it can harm the plants and animals within the ecosystem, leading to depletions in populations. This, in turn, can impact the survival of other species that depend on them. For example, oyster reefs are important habitats that provide protection for shorelines from storms. However, marine debris on oyster reefs can harm not just the oysters but also the over 300 species of animals that depend on these areas.

The presence of microplastics in the environment further exacerbates the problem of habitat destruction. Microplastics can be ingested by small animals, such as corals, or can accumulate and release toxic pollutants, which are then ingested by animals, causing health issues and potentially impacting their reproductive systems. This can lead to a decline in species diversity and the fertility of the soil and land.

Microplastics in soil

Plastic pollution has devastating effects on nature, and it is estimated that marine plastics contribute to the death of over 100,000 marine mammals annually. Plastic can affect marine species in various ways, including entanglement, ingestion, and toxic contamination. The size of the plastic is a major factor, as different-sized plastics adversely affect different species.

Microplastics, in particular, are a major concern for terrestrial animals. They leech into the soil and nearby water sources from plastic waste in landfills and other environments. A 2020 study found that terrestrial microplastic pollution has led to a decrease in species that live below the surface, such as mites, larvae, and other tiny creatures. This decline in species diversity leads to less fertile soil and land. Chlorinated plastic, such as food packaging and medical devices, can release harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil, seeping into groundwater that many species rely on.

Plants can also be affected by microplastics in the soil. While cellulose-rich plant cell walls can prevent the penetration of larger microplastic particles, nano-plastics can enter plant cells. This was demonstrated in a study where Tobacco BY-2 cells ingested 20 nm and 40 nm polystyrene microspheres. Microplastics can also alter the physical parameters of the soil, impacting water dynamics and microbial activity.

The impact of microplastics on soil fauna is a growing concern. Microplastics have been found to exert cytotoxic, genotoxic, and neurotoxic effects on animals. They can affect the metabolism and health of terrestrial animals, reducing feeding and depleting energy stores, with knock-on effects on fecundity and growth. Additionally, microplastics can act as a vector for transporting toxic chemicals, such as plasticizers and antibiotics, deep into the soil.

The increasing production of synthetic plastics and poor waste management have led to a dramatic increase in plastic pollution in the environment. As a result, microplastics are now found in various ecosystems, including marine and terrestrial environments, affecting a wide range of organisms, from plants and animals to humans.

Frequently asked questions