The Impact of Microplastics on Marine Ecosystems

Note: This article was written by Claire Shi

Microplastics are plastic particles that are less than 5 mm in size and are being deposited into the oceans at a rapid rate, which has negative impacts on marine life, the environment, and even human health. These particles come from various sources, including worn-down plastic waste, microbeads used in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothes. As a result of the increasing production of plastics, microplastics have become one of the most widespread and durable pollutants in the environment. This paper looks at how microplastics impact marine systems based on research and real-world examples to demonstrate why this issue should concern us.

Sources of Microplastics

Microplastics are released into the ocean in different ways. Some are added purposefully, for instance, the microbeads used in face scrubs and toothpaste. Some are the result of larger plastic objects like bottles, bags, and fishing gear that are worn away by sunlight, waves, and wind. The majority of wastewater treatment plants are also a part of the problem because these plants are not equipped to remove such particles from the water and thus allow them to flow into rivers and finally into the ocean.

The research, which was conducted in 2017 and was published in Nature Communications, stated that about 2.41 million metric tons of plastic are deposited into the ocean every year through rivers. Microplastics are a large part of this pollution. Once they are in the ocean, they are spread all over. Researchers have detected them in surface waters, deep sea sediments, and even in areas far away from the main pollution zones, such as the Arctic and the Antarctic. A study in 2020 by the Alfred Wegener Institute established that microplastics were present in 90 percent of Arctic sediment samples, which means that no place in the ocean is free from plastics.

Effects of Microplastics on Marine Organisms

Microplastics are dangerous to marine organisms in several ways. Some of them sweep them and feed on them. Plankton, fish, seabirds, turtles, and even whales have been seen to have swallowed microplastics. A 2018 study in Environmental Pollution revealed that more than one hundred marine organisms had ingested these particles. When such particles are ingested, they cause blockage, internal injuries, and, sometimes, starvation since the animal feels full but gets no nutrients. In some cases, the effects of plastic ingestion may be fatal.

Microplastics act as sponges for various toxins, including pesticides and industrial pollutants that are present in the water. When marine organisms feed on these polluted pellets, the toxins accumulate in their bodies over time. This can lead to adverse effects on growth, reproduction, and the immune system of these organisms. A 2021 study in Science of the Total Environment revealed that microplastics can interfere with the endocrine system of aquatic organisms and consequently cause adverse health effects.

What Is Being Done

Measures are being taken by governments, organizations, and people to fight this problem. For example, the United States prohibited the use of microbeads in personal care products in 2015, and other countries, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also enforced similar restrictions. The European Union has also implemented measures to prevent plastic pollution, including a strategy to shift to a circular economy model that will reduce the use of single-use plastics.

However, the work of the nonprofit organizations is also relevant because they are also engaged in the fight against the pollution of the ocean. The Ocean Cleanup, a non-governmental organization headed by Boyan Slat, is developing machines that can capture plastic waste from water. Beach cleanups and other community projects help create awareness, and people are more likely to act.

On a global level, the United Nations is attempting to foster a worldwide accord to eliminate plastic pollution. The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) 2022 agreed to develop a global strategy until 2024. This is an important step, but to make real changes, the cooperation of governments, businesses, and people is needed.

Why This Matters

Microplastics are a major threat to marine ecosystems, and the problem is expected to worsen with the increasing production of plastics. They affect marine life, marine habitats, and, therefore, human health. This problem can be solved by reducing plastic production and usage, improving the methods of waste management and treatment, and actively working on the removal of existing pollution. The issue is not simple, however, efforts to reduce plastic pollution now could help protect the oceans for the future.