![]() It also generates major economic costs related to the cleaning and maintenance of the sites. Plastic waste damages the aesthetic value of tourist destinations, leading to decreased income from tourism. The transfer of contaminants between marine species and humans through consumption of seafood has been identified as a health hazard, and research is ongoing. When marine organisms ingest plastic debris, these contaminants enter their digestive systems, and over time accumulate in the food web. Toxic contaminants also accumulate on the surface of plastic as a result of prolonged exposure to seawater. ![]() ![]() Recently, microplastics were found in human placentas but more research is needed to determine if this is a widespread problem. Several chemicals used in the production of plastic materials are known to be carcinogenic and to interfere with the body’s endocrine system, causing developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune disorders in both humans and wildlife. Microplastics have been found in tap water, beer, salt and are present in all samples collected in the world’s oceans, including the Arctic. Floating plastics also help transport invasive marine species, thereby threatening marine biodiversity and the food web. They also suffer from lacerations, infections, reduced ability to swim, and internal injuries. Marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fish and turtles mistake plastic waste for prey most then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic. The most visible impacts of plastic debris are the ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species. It threatens ocean health, the health of marine species, food safety and quality, human health, coastal tourism, and contributes to climate change. Plastic pollution is a widespread problem affecting the marine environment. The legal and illegal global trade of plastic waste may also damage ecosystems, where waste management systems are not sufficient to contain plastic waste. This leads to ‘plastic leakage’ into rivers and the ocean. Many countries lack the infrastructure to prevent plastic pollution such as: sanitary landfills incineration facilities recycling capacity and circular economy infrastructure proper management and disposal of waste systems. The small size makes them easy for marine life to ingest accidentally. Under the influence of solar UV radiation, wind, currents and other natural factors, plastic breaks down into small particles called microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm) or nanoplastics (particles smaller than 100 nm). Ocean-based plastic pollution originates primarily from the fishing industry, nautical activities and aquaculture. The main sources of plastic debris found in the ocean are land-based, coming from urban and stormwater runoff, sewer overflows, littering, inadequate waste disposal and management, industrial activities, tyre abrasion, construction and illegal dumping. Plastic is found on the shorelines of every continent, with more plastic waste found near popular tourist destinations and densely populated areas. Plastic debris is currently the most abundant type of litter in the ocean, making up 80% of all marine debris found from surface waters to deep-sea sediments. Over 300 million tons of plastic are produced every year, half of which is used to create single-use items such as shopping bags, cups and straws. If discarded improperly, plastic waste can harm the environment and biodiversity.Īt least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year. Plastic is a synthetic organic polymer made from petroleum with properties ideally suited for a wide variety of applications including: packaging, building and construction, household and sports equipment, vehicles, electronics and agriculture.
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