Ocean Trash: Impacting Human Health And Environment

Marine debris is a pressing issue that poses significant risks to both marine life and human health. The majority of trash found in the ocean is plastic, which can take thousands of years to decay. This plastic waste breaks down into tiny pieces known as microplastics, which are nearly impossible to remove from the environment. These microplastics can be ingested by marine organisms, leading to internal damage and starvation. They also absorb toxic chemicals, which then enter the food chain, ultimately threatening human health. Additionally, marine animals often get entangled in plastic trash, such as fishing nets and six-pack rings, causing injury or death. The impact of ocean trash extends beyond ecological concerns, as it also damages economies that rely on fisheries and tourism.

Humans ingest microplastics via contaminated fish and other seafood

Microplastics are plastic particles smaller than 5mm in size. They are found in the ocean due to human activities such as the improper disposal of plastic waste.

Microplastics have been found in the bodies of marine animals and humans. Studies have shown that microplastics can impact the growth rates and fertility of smaller fish. They have also been found in large quantities in bottled water and many other commonly consumed foods and drinks.

Microplastics have been found in the digestive tracts of fish and other seafood, which are then consumed by humans. This is a major pathway for human microplastic exposure.

The impact of microplastics on human health is still unclear, but they have been found in huge quantities in bottled water and many other commonly consumed foods and drinks.

Plastic waste damages marine ecosystems, which humans rely on for tourism and recreation

Marine tourism relies on specific characteristics of these spaces, such as water clarity and cleanliness, beach condition, coastal development, accurate weather forecasting, and ecosystem health. These characteristics support activities such as coral reef diving, recreational fishing, wildlife-watching tours, and local seafood. Citizens and tourists engage with the ocean and its contents for personal fulfilment, cultural connection, and greater physical and mental health.

However, plastic waste poses a significant threat to these ecosystems and the tourism and recreation industries that depend on them. With about 90% of ocean trash being plastic, the large amounts of plastic waste are having a detrimental impact on marine life and ecosystems. Plastic waste can lead to the entanglement and ingestion of marine animals, threatening their survival. The ingestion of plastic by marine animals can also introduce toxins into the food chain, potentially affecting human health when people consume seafood.

Additionally, plastic pollution can contribute to climate change and burden economic activities, including tourism and fisheries. The build-up of plastic litter can negatively impact a country's economy and trade systems, leading to income declines in various sectors. Furthermore, plastic waste can affect water quality, which is crucial for tourism and recreation activities.

To address the issue of plastic waste in marine ecosystems, it is essential to reduce plastic production, improve waste management practices, promote reusable and sustainable alternatives, and support policies and international treaties aimed at curbing plastic pollution.

Marine debris can damage boats and ships, affecting trade and transport

Marine debris can be extremely harmful to boats and ships, which can have a knock-on effect on trade and transport. Firstly, it is important to note that marine debris can be difficult to see, especially if it is floating below the water's surface. This means that boats and ships can accidentally collide with debris, which can cause costly damage and even put people's lives at risk. For example, derelict fishing gear can wrap around propellers and rudders, or tangle around active fishing gear. In addition, boats and ships can collide with abandoned and derelict vessels, which often block navigational channels and sit low in or under the water. This can cause damage to the vessel and create more marine debris.

Natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods, can cause large amounts of debris to enter coastal waterways all at once. This can include construction and demolition debris, as well as derelict vessels and fishing gear. During storms or periods of strong winds, almost any kind of trash can be moved into the ocean and coastal waters, causing flooding and blocking navigational channels. This can make it more difficult or dangerous to navigate and access certain areas, which can impact trade and transport.

To reduce the impact of marine debris on vessels, it is important to have proper waste management practices in place. This includes having sturdy trash and recycling containers with lids on boats and ensuring that all trash is brought back to shore. Additionally, federal laws and guidelines, such as the Marine Pollution Guidelines (MARPOL), should be followed to prevent the illegal disposal of garbage from boats. By following these practices and guidelines, we can help to reduce the impact of marine debris on boats and ships, and subsequently on trade and transport.

The chemicals in plastics are toxic to humans, causing health issues such as cancer and birth defects

Plastic is everywhere, even in the food and drinks we consume. A study by the Food Standards Agency found that certain chemicals in plastics may end up in the things we eat and drink, but the levels are considered safe for humans. However, other studies suggest that some chemicals found in plastics have cancer-causing effects. These experiments involve human cells in a lab or animals, which are very different from everyday human contact with plastics.

Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in plastics, has been linked to various health issues. Studies have shown that BPA can affect the endocrine or hormone system, leading to neurodevelopmental problems, metabolic disorders, and reproductive issues. Exposure to BPA during pregnancy can impact crucial stages of brain development in the fetus, resulting in potential issues like low birth weight, preterm births, and impaired fertility.

Phthalates, another group of chemicals found in plastics, are known to affect hormones. They can alter the development of reproductive organs and reduce sperm count in males.

In addition to these specific chemicals, the widespread use of plastics exposes us to a range of other toxic chemicals. These include carcinogens, neurotoxic chemicals, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which can directly damage organs and lead to diseases over time. Early life exposure to brominated flame retardants, found in plastics and electronics, has been linked to brain damage, reduced IQ, and attention disorders in children.

The impact of microplastics, tiny bits of plastic that break off from larger pieces, is also a growing concern. Microplastics can carry toxic chemicals into the human body and have been linked to issues with male fertility, biomarkers of colon and gut cancer, and potential respiratory problems.

While the specific mechanisms for these health effects are still being studied, the evidence suggests that the chemicals in plastics can have detrimental effects on human health, causing issues such as cancer and birth defects.

Marine debris is costly to clean up, with the US spending $11.5 billion annually on litter cleanups

Marine debris is a costly issue, with the US spending $11.5 billion annually on cleanups. This figure is expected to increase with the growing amount of trash in the ocean, primarily plastic, which does not biodegrade and can last forever in the environment. The cost of cleaning up marine debris is not limited to direct cleanup efforts but also includes beach and waterway cleanup, street sweeping, stormwater capture devices, storm drain cleaning, and public anti-littering campaigns.

The price of cleaning up is high due to the extensive time and resources required. For example, consider the cost of hiring boats, equipment, and labour to cover a vast area of the ocean. Additionally, the complexity of the task increases due to the constant movement of marine debris and the abundance of sea life in these areas.

The economic burden of marine debris is not limited to cleanup costs. It also negatively impacts marine industries such as shipping, fishing, and tourism. The presence of trash in the ocean discourages tourists from visiting beaches, affecting the local economy. Furthermore, marine debris can damage boats and ships, posing navigational hazards and potentially causing accidents.

The ultimate solution to reducing the economic burden lies in prevention. It is essential to address the root cause of the problem by implementing policies and regulations that prevent trash from entering our oceans in the first place. This approach will not only save money but also protect marine life and ecosystems from the harmful effects of human-created debris.

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