Plastic Pollution's Deadly Impact On Ocean Wildlife

Plastic pollution is having a devastating impact on marine life and ecosystems. It is estimated that marine plastics are contributing to the death of more than 100,000 marine mammals every year. Plastic can affect marine species in a variety of ways, from entanglement and injury to ingestion and toxic contamination. The size of the plastic is a major determining factor, with large plastics capturing and entangling marine mammals and fish, and small plastics being mistaken for food by seabirds and other marine species. Microplastics, which are invisible to the naked eye, are easily consumed by wildlife and can adsorb toxins, which are then transferred to the fatty tissues of the organisms that ingest them. The presence of plastic in our oceans is continually increasing, and it is estimated that by 2050, plastic will outweigh all the fish in the sea.

Plastic ingestion leads to starvation, intestinal injury and death

Plastic ingestion is a significant threat to ocean wildlife, causing starvation, intestinal injury, and death. The ingestion of plastic by wildlife was first observed in 1966 when researchers found plastic container lids and toys in dead Laysan albatross chicks. Since then, plastic pollution has only increased, and with it, the number of species affected.

Plastic ingestion leads to starvation as it gives a false sense of fullness, reducing the urge to feed. This is especially common in sea turtles, who mistake plastic sheeting and bags for jellyfish, their natural prey. Albatross chicks that ingested large amounts of plastic were found to have lower weights, as the plastic prevented them from eating a full meal. The reduced storage volume of the stomach caused by ingested plastic can lead to starvation in seabirds, who then expend energy searching for food, only to bring back plastic waste to feed their young.

Plastic can also cause intestinal injury and death in ocean wildlife. Sharp or rough plastic can create cuts in the digestive system, leading to infection and internal bleeding. A plastic shard piercing an intestine can kill a bird quickly. Plastic debris can also block the digestive system, making it difficult for animals to get the nutrients they need and leading to malnutrition and starvation.

Additionally, plastic can carry harmful pollutants and chemicals that can be released into the body of an animal when ingested. These toxins can build up in the fatty tissues of animals, leading to bioaccumulation up the food chain. The long-term impacts of plastic ingestion on wildlife are still not fully understood, and more research is needed to determine the full scope of the problem.

Plastic waste encourages the growth of pathogens in the ocean

Plastic waste is a serious and growing environmental problem. It is well-known that plastic pollution affects marine life, but it is less commonly understood that plastic waste can also encourage the growth of pathogens in the ocean.

A recent study found that corals that come into contact with plastic have an 89% chance of contracting diseases, compared to a 4% likelihood for corals that do not. This is because plastics can act as carriers of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, leading to the spread of diseases. The transfer of antibiotic resistance genes between microorganisms on the surface of plastics may also favour the persistence of pathogens in the environment.

The presence of pathogenic bacteria on both macroplastics and microplastics has been well-documented in the marine system. For example, the family Rhodobacteraceae, the algae group Bacillariophyta, and Members of the Campylobacteraceae have been found on plastic in the ocean. Vibrio, a pathogenic bacterium, has also been frequently found on marine microplastics.

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles smaller than 5mm, no bigger than a grain of rice. They have contaminated waters as remote as Antarctica. By hitchhiking on microplastics, pathogens can disperse throughout the ocean, reaching places a land parasite would never usually reach.

Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite found only in cat faeces, has infected many ocean species with the disease toxoplasmosis. It has killed critically endangered wildlife, including Hector's dolphins and Hawaiian monk seals. In people, toxoplasmosis can cause lifelong illnesses, as well as developmental and reproductive disorders.

Crypto and Giardia are other examples of pathogens that can cause gastrointestinal disease and can be deadly in young children and people who are immunocompromised.

Floating plastic items can transport invasive species

Floating plastic items in the ocean can transport invasive species, with serious implications for marine ecosystems. The durability and buoyancy of plastic, combined with its widespread distribution, make it an effective transport mechanism for various organisms, including microbes, algae, invertebrates, and fish, over long distances.

Plastic debris offers a unique and stable habitat for these organisms, providing shelter and facilitating their survival during transport. The impact of plastic as a vector for invasive species is evident in the case of the 2011 Japan tsunami, where researchers found nearly 30 known invasive species among the debris that reached the shores of North America.

The introduction of non-native species through plastic rafting can have significant ecological and economic consequences. These species often compete with native species, alter community structures, and introduce pathogens, potentially disrupting the ecological balance. The high risk of invasive species colonisation on plastics, especially in regions with high levels of plastic pollution, underscores the urgency of addressing this global issue.

To mitigate the impact of plastic as a vector for invasive species, international collaboration is crucial to coordinate initiatives aimed at reducing the proliferation of floating plastics. Additionally, efficient waste management, education, and awareness campaigns are essential to minimise the entry of invasive species through marine litter.

Microplastics have entered the food chain and have been found in drinking water, salt, beer and soil

Plastic pollution is having a devastating impact on ocean wildlife. Marine animals, from small finches to blue whales, are suffering grievous injuries and death from ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it. The problem is widespread and affects at least 800 species worldwide, with plastic debris found in the stomachs of many sea creatures.

Microplastics, tiny fragments of plastic, have now been detected in various parts of the environment, including the ocean, air, tap and bottled water, beer, salt, fruits, vegetables, and oils. This poses a significant risk of direct human exposure, as these particles have been found to make their way into our food and drinking water. A study by Mary Kosuth, a microplastics researcher, found that 81% of tap water samples and all tested brands of salt and beer contained microplastics.

The presence of microplastics in our food and water is concerning due to their potential negative health effects. These particles can leach chemicals, such as BPA, into the substances we consume, and they can also adsorb and concentrate other potentially toxic substances. While the full extent of the health risks is not yet known, it is clear that human exposure to microplastics is inevitable, and it is crucial that we address this issue.

The sources of microplastics in our water and food can vary. In the case of municipal water and beer, it is essential to pinpoint the specific sources to implement effective measures to reduce plastic pollution. Single-use plastics, such as plastic bags, are a significant contributor to the problem, and reducing their use is vital.

The pervasiveness of microplastics in our environment is evident, and it is crucial to recognize the potential dangers they pose to both human health and the environment. By understanding the sources and impacts of microplastics, we can work towards reducing their presence and mitigating their harmful effects on ocean wildlife and, consequently, human health.

Plastic waste is almost impossible to retrieve from the ocean

The durability of plastic materials contributes to the challenge of retrieval. Plastic is designed to be a durable and long-lasting product, which, unfortunately, becomes a problem when it ends up in the ocean. Plastic can persist in the marine environment for hundreds of years, causing long-term damage to ecosystems and wildlife. Even when exposed to sunlight, wind, and wave action, plastic waste only breaks down into smaller microplastics, rather than decomposing naturally.

The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is devastating. Marine animals, such as seabirds, fish, sea turtles, and marine mammals, suffer the consequences of plastic ingestion and entanglement. They mistake plastic debris for food, leading to intestinal injuries and death. Additionally, plastic debris can entangle and trap marine creatures, causing injuries and mortality. Endangered species, such as the Hawaiian monk seal and the Pacific loggerhead sea turtle, are among the victims of plastic pollution.

The problem of plastic waste in the ocean is further exacerbated by the fact that plastic can act as a magnet for toxins. As plastic pieces remain in the ocean, they attract and absorb harmful pollutants, such as pesticides, dyes, and flame retardants. These toxic substances are then released into the ocean, posing additional risks to marine life and the environment.

To address the issue of plastic waste in the ocean, the focus should be on prevention rather than retrieval. It is crucial to improve waste management systems and promote recycling practices. Additionally, reducing the production of unnecessary single-use plastics and designing products with consideration for their disposal can help mitigate the problem. By taking these steps, we can minimize the amount of plastic waste entering rivers and seas, protecting marine life and ecosystems from the devastating effects of plastic pollution.

Frequently asked questions