Plastic Pollution: Killing Animals, Destroying Ecosystems

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues, with production expected to double by 2050. It is a global problem that is affecting wildlife and ecosystems worldwide.

Plastic waste is particularly harmful to marine life. It is estimated that up to 13 million metric tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year, the equivalent of a garbage truck's load being dumped into the sea every minute.

Plastic pollution affects marine animals in several ways. One of the most common consequences is ingestion, with animals mistaking plastic debris for food. This can lead to blockages in their digestive systems, resulting in starvation and even death. Plastic particles can also accumulate toxins, posing additional health risks to animals that consume them. Furthermore, discarded plastic materials such as fishing nets and packaging can entangle and trap marine animals, causing injuries, amputations, and death.

Plastic pollution also contributes to habitat degradation. For example, coral reefs, which are critical marine ecosystems, suffer when plastic debris smothers corals, preventing them from receiving essential sunlight and stifling their growth.

The impact of plastic pollution on wildlife is not limited to the oceans. Land animals are also affected, with cases of plastic ingestion causing intestinal blockages and damage in mammals such as elephants, hyenas, zebras, and tigers.

Collectively, we need to reduce plastic production and improve waste management systems to address this global crisis and safeguard the well-being of wildlife and the planet.

Plastic ingestion

Plastic consumption can also lead to a reduction in stomach storage volume, making it difficult for animals to eat. In some cases, it can choke and starve animals by making them feel full. For example, a study found that a sea turtle that had ingested just 14 pieces of plastic had an increased risk of death.

Plastic particles can accumulate toxins over time, posing additional health risks to animals that consume them. They can absorb and concentrate toxic pollutants from the surrounding environment, which can disrupt endocrine systems, cause reproductive issues, weaken immune systems, and potentially lead to long-term health problems.

The impact of plastic ingestion on wildlife is not limited to marine animals. Land animals such as elephants, hyenas, zebras, tigers, camels, and cattle have also been affected by plastic ingestion, resulting in unnecessary deaths.

Entanglement and injuries

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue that is causing harm to wildlife. One of the most disturbing consequences of plastic pollution is the ingestion of plastic by animals, which often mistake plastic debris for food. This can lead to blockages in their digestive systems, resulting in starvation, malnutrition, and even death. Another consequence is the entanglement and injuries caused by discarded plastic materials such as fishing nets, ropes, and packaging. This can trap and harm animals, disrupt their ability to move, hunt and feed, and lead to a slow and painful death.

Plastic pollution can cause entanglement and injuries to wildlife, particularly marine creatures such as sea turtles, seals, and seabirds. Discarded plastic materials such as fishing nets, ropes, and packaging can entangle these animals, leading to injuries, amputations, and even death. The physical entanglement restricts the movement of animals, making it difficult for them to hunt and feed. This, in turn, impacts their overall survival and reproductive success.

For example, in 2018, a harbor seal pup was found dead on the Scottish island of Skye, with its intestines fouled by a small piece of plastic wrapper. In another instance, a wild elephant in Periyar, India, died from ingesting plastic waste discarded by pilgrims, which blocked its intestines and caused internal bleeding and organ failure.

Plastic pollution not only harms individual animals but also disrupts habitats. As plastic waste accumulates in ecosystems, it can smother coral reefs, preventing them from receiving essential sunlight and stifling their growth. This, in turn, weakens the entire ecosystem that relies on these reefs.

The effects of plastic pollution on wildlife are widespread and deeply concerning. It is important to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management, and promote recycling to mitigate the impact of plastic pollution on animals and their habitats.

Chemical contamination

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with plastic waste causing widespread and deeply concerning harm to wildlife. Chemical contamination is one of the many ways in which plastic pollution is affecting animals.

Plastics are composed of various chemicals, many of which are harmful to both humans and animals. When plastic waste breaks down into microplastics, these particles can absorb and concentrate toxic pollutants from the surrounding environment. As animals consume these microplastics, they ingest these pollutants, which can have detrimental effects on their health.

For instance, tests have confirmed the presence of microplastics can cause liver and cell damage, as well as disruptions to reproductive systems. In oysters, for example, this can lead to a decrease in egg production, threatening population growth. Additionally, a 2021 study in New Zealand found "extremely high levels" of microplastics in the Bay of Plenty, sparking health concerns for the people living in the marine ecosystem.

The impact of chemical contamination extends beyond marine life, as terrestrial habitats are also affected. Microplastics leech into the soil and water sources from plastic waste in landfills and other environments. This contamination can have far-reaching consequences, as it affects the food that both wildlife and humans consume.

The issue of chemical contamination from plastic pollution is a global concern that requires collective action, policy changes, and individual choices to address it effectively.

Habitat degradation

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with plastic waste causing widespread and deeply concerning effects on animals. One of the ways plastic pollution affects animals is through habitat degradation. As plastic waste accumulates in ecosystems, it disrupts the natural balance and functioning of habitats.

Coral reefs, for example, are critical marine ecosystems that suffer from plastic pollution. When plastic debris smothers corals, it prevents them from receiving essential sunlight, stifling their growth and weakening the entire ecosystem that relies on them. This disruption to coral reefs can have far-reaching consequences, as they provide essential habitat for many marine species, such as fish and invertebrates.

In addition, plastic waste can contaminate soil and water sources, leading to a decline in terrestrial species that live below the surface, such as mites, larvae, and other tiny creatures. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in soil fertility and land health. Chlorinated plastic, such as food packaging and medical devices, can release harmful chemicals into the surrounding soil and groundwater, further degrading habitats and endangering species that rely on these resources.

The accumulation of plastic waste in ecosystems can also create physical barriers and obstacles for animals, hindering their movement and access to resources. For example, discarded plastic nets and packaging materials can entangle animals, restricting their ability to move, hunt, and feed. This not only impacts their survival but also their reproductive success.

The presence of plastic waste in habitats can also lead to the ingestion of plastic by animals, mistaking it for food. This can cause intestinal blockages, starvation, and even death. Additionally, plastic particles can accumulate toxins, posing additional health risks to animals and disrupting the functioning of habitats by affecting the health of species within them.

Microplastics in the food chain

Plastic pollution is a pressing issue, with global plastic production projected to double by 2040 or 2050. This is having a detrimental impact on wildlife, with plastic ingestion and entanglement causing injury and death. Microplastics, in particular, are a major concern, as they can pass through animals' digestive systems and be expelled without consequence. However, they have been found in hundreds of species, including marine animals and terrestrial wildlife.

Microplastics, measuring less than five millimetres in length, are making their way into the food chain. They are often small enough to pass through water filtration systems and can be ingested by humans and animals. They have been detected in marine life, from fish to shellfish, and in foodstuffs such as honey, tea, sugar, and fruit and vegetables.

Sources of Microplastics

There are two main types of microplastics: primary and secondary. Primary microplastics are released into the environment in their final form, often from the breakdown of cosmetics and personal care products containing microbeads. Secondary microplastics are formed by the breakdown of larger plastic items through weathering and environmental exposure. This includes plastic bags, boxes, ropes, and nets.

Impact on Marine Life

Microplastics have been found in various marine organisms, including fish, shellfish, seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. They can be ingested or entangled, leading to health issues and death. In some cases, microplastics have been shown to block digestive tracts or pierce internal organs. They can also give a false sense of fullness, leading to starvation. Additionally, microplastics can act as "bio-sponges," absorbing harmful chemicals and becoming potentially toxic.

Impact on Human Health

Microplastics have been detected in the human body, including the blood, lungs, and faeces. While the health impacts are still being studied, there are concerns about their potential to cause liver and cell damage disrupt reproductive systems, and increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They have also been linked to inflammation and non-communicable diseases. The average person is estimated to ingest up to 211,000 microplastic particles per year.

Addressing the Issue

Voluntary initiatives to end plastic pollution have not been sufficient, and a global treaty is now needed. Efforts to ban single-use plastics and improve recycling infrastructure are important steps. Additionally, individuals can make lifestyle changes, such as using reusable bottles and avoiding clothing made with synthetic fibres that shed microplastics during washes.

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