Table of Contents
Introduction to Plastic Pollution ; Plastic Production ; Effects of Plastic Pollution Caused by Plastic Waste ;
Solutions to Plastic Pollution
Introduction to Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution is the accumulation of plastic products in the environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, or humans. Plastic is durable, lightweight, and relatively inexpensive to produce, making it a popular choice for consumer goods. However, the environmental impact of plastic is becoming increasingly apparent as plastic waste accumulates in the environment.
Plastic Production
In the United States, about 30% of all plastic waste is recycled, but most of the rest ends up in landfills or is incinerated. Less than 10% of global plastic waste is recycled.
Plastic is made from oil and natural gas, so the production of plastic contributes to climate change. The manufacture of plastic also releases toxic chemicals into the air and water.
Effects of Plastic Pollution Caused by Plastic Waste
Plastic waste can choke, strangle, and disable marine life.
Plastic waste can also absorb harmful chemicals, which can then be ingested by marine life.
Plastic waste can also block sunlight, which can disrupt the marine ecosystem.
Plastic waste can take centuries to decompose.
Solutions to Plastic Pollution
Types of Plastic Debris
There are six types of plastic debris that pollute the world’s oceans: microplastics, macroplastics, fishing gear, beverage containers, cigarette butts, and lost or abandoned vessels.
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic less than five millimeters in size. They are created when larger pieces of plastic break down into smaller and smaller pieces. Microplastics can be found in cosmetics, clothing, and other products.
Macroplastics are larger pieces of plastic that are typically greater than five millimeters in size. They can come from plastic bags, bottles, and other products.
Fishing gear is made of plastic and often floats in the ocean after being lost or abandoned by fishermen. The gear can trap and kill marine animals.
Beverage containers are made of plastic and can often be found in the ocean. They can harm marine life when they are ingested.
Cigarette butts are made of plastic and often contain toxins that can harm marine life.
Lost or abandoned vessels are made of plastic and can harm marine life when they are ingested.
Micro Debris
Micro debris is a term used to describe a wide range of very small pieces of solid material that are found in the environment. This material can include anything from tiny particles of dust and dirt to tiny pieces of plastic or metal. Micro debris can be a major source of pollution and can cause a wide range of environmental and health problems.
Macro Debris
This is the debris that is too large to be classified as either micro or macro.
Decomposition of Plastics:
Plastics are typically composed of a number of different types of monomers that are linked together to form a polymer. The polymer chains can be randomly coiled, or they can be ordered into a particular shape. When a plastic is exposed to the environment, the polymer chains can break down into smaller pieces called monomers. These monomers can then recombine to form new polymer chains, or they can be absorbed by other organisms.
Persistent Organic Pollutants:
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a group of man-made chemicals that resist degradation and accumulate in the environment. They can be found in soil, water, and air and can bioaccumulate in organisms, including humans. Some POPs are known or suspected carcinogens and endocrine disruptors.
There are many different POPs, but some of the most well-known are polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). These chemicals were once widely used in industrial and agricultural applications, but have since been banned due to their harmful effects on human health and the environment.
POPs can persist in the environment for many years and can travel long distances. They are often found in remote areas, such as the Arctic and the Antarctic, where they can accumulate in the food chain.
Commercial Pollutants:
The EPA has identified a number of pollutants that are known or suspected to cause serious health problems. They are called “hazardous air pollutants.”
Some of the common hazardous air pollutants include:
Benzene
Formaldehyde
Lead
Methane
Pesticides
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Sulfur dioxide
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Causes of Plastic Pollution
The main causes of plastic pollution are careless disposal, lack of public recycling infrastructure, and the production of unnecessary and single-use plastics.
Careless Disposal
The improper disposal of plastic waste is the leading cause of plastic pollution. When plastic is not properly recycled or disposed of, it ends up in our oceans and waterways, where it can pollute the environment and harm marine life.
Lack of Recycling Infrastructure
Lack of public recycling infrastructure is another major contributor to plastic pollution. Only about 14% of plastic waste is recycled in the United States, and much of the rest ends up in landfills or the environment.
Unnecessary and Single-Use Plastics
The production of unnecessary and single-use plastics is also a major contributor to plastic pollution. Plastic straws, bags, and bottles are some of the most common types of single-use plastics, and they often end up in our oceans and waterways.
Effect of Plastic on Environment:
The effect of plastic on environment is very harmful. Plastic is non-biodegradable and takes hundreds of years to decompose. So, it accumulates in the environment and causes land, water and air pollution.
Effects of Plastic on Land:
Plastic can take hundreds of years to decompose, so when it is littered on land, it can cause serious harm to the environment. Plastic can choke or trap animals, block drainage systems, and leach harmful chemicals into the soil and water.
Effect of Plastic in the Ocean:
Plastic debris in the ocean can cause harm to marine life and ecosystems. Plastic can be ingested by marine life, which can lead to health problems and death. Plastic can also clog up waterways and prevent marine life from swimming and feeding.
Effects on Animals:
The use of neonicotinoids has been linked to the decline of bee populations. The use of these pesticides has been shown to cause bees to become confused and unable to find their way back to their hives.
Effects on Humans:
The long-term effects of asbestos on humans are not fully known, but it is known that asbestos can cause lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Ocean Pollution
Marine debris, also known as marine litter, is human-created waste that has accumulated in the oceans, seas, and other waterways. It is a global problem that affects the environment, economies, and human health.
