The Atlantic Ocean is witnessing an alarming increase in microplastic pollution, reveals a recent study in the journal, ‘Nature Communications’. The quantity of microscopic particles is estimated to be between 11.6-21.1 million tonnes. This has brought into focus the bigger issue of plastic pollution in marine environments, which until now was not fully characterized.
The Scale of the Problem
In this study, scientists probed the first 200 meters of the Atlantic Ocean and found 11.6 – 21.1 million tonnes of microscopic particles. The researchers focused on three types of plastic: polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene, which are most commonly used for packaging.
When data from 1950 to 2015 was analyzed, accounting for the fact that the Atlantic Ocean received 0.3-0.8% of the global plastic waste for 65 years, it was inferred that the Atlantic waters could contain 17 to 47 million tonnes of plastic waste.
The Risks of Microplastic Pollution
Microplastics pose a significant threat since smaller particles can sink deeper into the ocean, making them more likely to be ingested by marine species such as zooplanktons. This can introduce these particles into the food chain. Moreover, the findings suggest that there could be even more plastics lurking at greater depths and that the total magnitude of ocean plastic pollution could be much higher than current estimates.
Understanding and combating plastic pollution requires comprehensive assessment across all size categories and polymer groups to determine the specific dangers and possible interventions for plastic contamination.
Plastic Pollution: A Burning Issue
Plastic, a synthetic organic polymer derived from petroleum, is known for its versatility and applicability in various sectors ranging from packaging, construction, household equipment, vehicles, electronics to agriculture. Its advantages like being cheap, lightweight, sturdy, and moldable have led to its pervasive use.
About 300 million tons of plastic are produced yearly worldwide, with half of it being used for disposable items like shopping bags, cups, and straws. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that almost 8 million tons of plastic find their way into the oceans annually.
The Sources of Marine Plastic
Marine plastic primarily originates from land-based sources such as urban and storm runoff, sewer overflows, beach goers, inadequate waste disposal, industrial activities, construction, and unauthorized dumping. Ocean-based plastic is largely the result of fishing industry activities, nautical operations, and aquaculture.
The transformation of plastic into microplastics or nanoplastics occurs under the influence of solar UV radiation, wind, currents, and other natural factors. Microbeads, a type of microplastic used in health and beauty products, often evade water filtration systems and end up polluting oceans and lakes.
Impact of Plastic Pollution
Plastic decomposition can take hundreds to thousands of years, depending on the type of plastic and its disposal site. It poses severe threats to marine environments, including ingestion, suffocation, and entanglement of marine species. Floating plastics also aid in the spread of invasive marine organisms and bacteria, disrupting ecosystems.
Toxic contaminants accumulate on the surface of plastic materials due to prolonged exposure to seawater. When marine organisms ingest this plastic debris, these contaminants enter their digestive systems and gradually accumulate in the food web. Consumption of contaminated seafood can pose health risks to humans, though research in this area is still limited.
Furthermore, plastic, being a petroleum by-product, contributes to global warming. Burning plastic waste releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating carbon emissions. Plastic waste also ruins the aesthetic appeal of tourist destinations, causing a decrease in tourism-related income and leading to increased costs for cleaning and maintenance.
India’s Plastic Waste Crisis
Single-use or disposable plastics, commonly used for packaging, make up nearly half the plastic produced in India. Despite the establishment of the Plastic Waste Management Rules in 2016 or PWR, mandating waste collection and segregation, many Indian cities have failed to implement these provisions due to a lack of systematic segregation and recycling infrastructure. With the government’s ambitious target of eliminating single-use plastics by 2022, a more proactive approach is required.
Policy Recommendations
Existing international instruments should be leveraged to tackle plastic pollution. These include the 1972 Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution, the 1996 Protocol to the London Convention, and the 1978 Protocol to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).
The recycling and reuse of plastic materials can significantly curb open landfills and open-air burning, often practiced for domestic waste management. Collaborations between governments, research institutions, and industries are needed to redesign products, and rethink their usage and disposal to reduce microplastics waste.
Looking Ahead
Cognizance of the full extent of plastic pollution and its impacts can provide policy-makers, manufacturers, and consumers with the scientific evidence needed to drive appropriate technological, behavioral, and policy solutions. This knowledge will also spur the creation of new technology, materials or products to replace plastics.
