Land Plastic Pollution: Impact On Organisms

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue that affects all land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. It poses a significant threat to both wildlife and humans, with the potential to cause harm through mechanical effects such as entanglement, ingestion, and exposure to toxic chemicals. While plastic pollution in oceans has received significant attention, it arguably poses an even greater risk to terrestrial organisms and ecosystems. The impact of microplastics in soils, sediments, and freshwater ecosystems is a growing area of concern, with studies suggesting that terrestrial microplastic pollution is much higher than marine pollution. This pollution enters the food chain, affecting both fauna and flora, and can have long-term negative consequences on ecosystem health and function.

Birds, fish, and other marine life

Fish and other marine life are also severely impacted by plastic pollution. It is estimated that more than 100 aquatic species, including fish, have ingested microplastics. These tiny plastic particles can block digestive tracts, pierce organs, and cause death. In addition, plastics can entangle marine mammals and fish, leading to starvation, injury, and increased vulnerability to predators. Discarded fishing nets can also smother and break coral reefs, disrupting marine ecosystems.

The effects of plastic pollution on birds, fish, and other marine life are wide-ranging and devastating. The ingestion of plastics and microplastics can lead to nutritional deficiencies, physical injuries, and even death. The entanglement in plastic debris further endangers these organisms and makes them more susceptible to predators. The presence of plastics in the environment also disrupts the natural cycles of renewal that are essential for the survival of these species.

Land-based animals

The chemical composition of plastics further exacerbates the problem. Chlorinated plastic, for example, can release harmful chemicals into the soil, which then seep into groundwater and surrounding water sources, posing risks to the health of animals that drink the water. These chemicals can also contaminate the soil, affecting the growth and health of plants and microorganisms.

Additionally, plastic waste can clog storm drains, increasing the risk of flooding, especially in urban areas. The buildup of plastic garbage can raise water levels upstream, enhancing the potential for flooding. This issue was observed in Bangkok, where plastic waste clogged the already overburdened sewer system, increasing flood risk.

The impact of plastic pollution on land-based animals is not limited to ingestion or environmental contamination. Entanglement in plastic objects is another concern, with abandoned fishing gear and discarded six-pack rings posing threats to wildlife. These plastics can strangle and cause injury to animals, leading to reduced mobility and, in some cases, death.

Overall, plastic pollution poses a significant threat to land-based animals, affecting their health, habitat, and food sources. It is crucial to address this issue through proper waste management, reduced plastic consumption, and the promotion of recycling to mitigate the impact on these animals.

Humans

• Direct Consumption: Humans can be directly exposed to plastic pollution through the consumption of contaminated food and water. Microplastics have been found in tap water, beer, salt, and other food and beverage products. These tiny particles can end up in our digestive system and potentially cause harm.
• Indirect Consumption: Even if we don't consume plastic-contaminated food and water directly, plastics can enter our bodies through the food chain. Animals, including livestock and marine life, ingest microplastics, which then accumulate in their tissues. When we consume these animals, we also ingest the plastics they have accumulated.
• Disruption of Hormonal Mechanisms: Several chemicals used in plastic production, such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), are known to interfere with hormonal systems. BPA, for example, can act as an estrogen mimic and disrupt normal reproductive functions. These chemicals have been linked to developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders.
• Impact on Soil and Water Systems: Chlorinated plastic can release harmful chemicals into the soil, which then seep into groundwater and water sources. This can contaminate drinking water and have harmful effects on any species that consume it. Plastic waste can also clog storm drains, increasing the risk of flooding, especially in urban areas.
• Airborne Microplastics: Microplastics can become airborne and be inhaled by humans. This can lead to respiratory issues and potentially other health problems.
• Economic Impact: The build-up of plastic litter can negatively affect a country's economy and trade systems. Sectors such as small and medium-sized enterprises, tourism, fisheries, agriculture, and water safety may suffer due to plastic pollution.
• Physical, Chemical, and Biological Harm: Plastics can cause physical harm through ingestion or entanglement. They also release toxic chemicals, such as BPA, which can have detrimental effects on human health. Additionally, microplastics can cause biological damage by entering the food chain and accumulating in our bodies.

Plants

Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue that affects all ecosystems, including land, freshwater, and marine environments. While plastic waste in oceans often receives more attention, it arguably poses a bigger threat to plants and animals on land.

Plastic Uptake by Plants

Impact on Plant Growth and Development

Plastic pollution can directly or indirectly impede the growth and development of plants. Studies have shown that plastics can inhibit seed germination, root elongation, and nutrient absorption. The presence of plastics in the soil can alter soil physicochemical properties, reducing aeration, increasing erosion, changing soil pH, and decreasing nutrient availability for plants, ultimately leading to lower crop yields.

Different types of plastics, such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and biodegradable plastics, have been tested on various plant species, including rice, lettuce, tomato, mung bean, onion, corn, cucumber, and barley. The results indicate that plastics generally have a negative effect on plant development, with reductions in shoot and root biomass, germination rates, and photosynthetic activity. However, in some cases, plastics had no significant effect or even slightly enhanced growth.

Oxidative Stress and Toxicity

The accumulation of microplastics in plants can induce oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity. This can disrupt the plant's antioxidant system and alter gene expression, metabolic processes, and root exudate profiles. Additionally, plastics can act as carriers of other chemical contaminants, such as heavy metals and organic pollutants, further damaging plant health.

Impact on Soil and Soil-Dwelling Organisms

Soil, being essential for plant growth, is also affected by plastic pollution. Plastics can alter soil physicochemical properties and reduce soil aeration, increase erosion, change soil pH, and decrease nutrient availability. They can also impact the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities, which are crucial for soil fertility and plant growth.

Invertebrates, such as earthworms, play a vital role in the soil food chain and have been studied for their interaction with plastics. Exposure to microplastics has been found to cause reduced growth rates, immunological stress, intestinal cell damage, DNA damage, and increased mortality in earthworms.

Food Safety Concerns

The presence of plastics in plants, particularly crops, raises concerns about food safety. If plants absorb or accumulate plastic particles, these contaminants can enter the food chain and potentially impact human health.

Long-Term Effects and Research Needs

The long-term effects of plastic pollution on plants and ecosystems are not yet fully understood and require further investigation. More research is needed to explore the interactions between plastics and plants, the underlying causes of plant dysfunction, and the potential impacts on food quality and quantity. Additionally, strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of plastic pollution on plants should be a focus of future studies.

Soil fauna

Firstly, plastic pollution can influence the mortality, growth, locomotion, and reproduction of soil fauna, as well as cause oxidative and antioxidative stress. Smaller plastic particles, especially microplastics and nanoplastics, can accumulate on root surfaces and be transported into plants, causing substantial detrimental effects, such as inhibiting growth and germination, altering antioxidative stress, and decreasing the photosynthetic rate.

Secondly, plastics can interact with microorganisms in the soil, leading to substantial changes in microbial structure and activity. This can have knock-on effects on soil fauna, as they are dependent on these microorganisms.

Thirdly, the physical presence of plastic particles in the soil can cause physical damage to soil fauna, such as skin damage through surface abrasion or gut damage after digestion of plastics.

Finally, plastic particles can release additives such as phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), which are known for their hormonal effects and can disrupt the hormone systems of both vertebrates and invertebrates.

Overall, the presence of plastics in the soil has been shown to cause substantial detrimental effects on soil fauna, with complex and inconsistent observations being made in different studies. More research is needed to fully understand the effects of plastic pollution on these important organisms.

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