Written by Jan Kawczyński
ABSTRACT
Microplastics in the ocean pose a significant environmental threat. Since Leo Baekeland's invention of plastic in 1907, plastic has become an indispensable part of modern life. Initially believed to be harmless, concerns about plastic pollution began to grow in the 1960s, spurred by Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring," which highlighted the detrimental effects of synthetic chemicals, including plastics, on the environment. This paper explores the history, creation, and impact of microplastics on both the environment and human health, along with legislative efforts to mitigate these effects.
HISTORY OF PLASTIC: THE RISE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS IN THE 1960S
Concerns about plastic’s environmental impact emerged in the 1960s, particularly after the discovery of plastic debris in the ocean. This decade marked a significant shift in public awareness, with Rachel Carson’s 1962 book “Silent Spring” exposing the harmful effects of chemical pesticides. The 1969 oil spill in Ohio further highlighted environmental issues, and over the next two decades, plastic’s reputation deteriorated as awareness of its harmful effects grew.
THE DISCOVERY OF MICROPLASTICS
In 2004, Professor Richard Thompson of the University of Plymouth identified microplastics in the oceans, dating back to the 1960s. He defined microplastics as fragments of plastic smaller than 5 mm. The discovery of these particles, and growing concerns about their potential impact on human health, further tarnished the reputation of plastic.
MICROPLASTICS: FORMATION AND DEGRADATION
Plastics are highly resistant to degradation. However, environmental factors such as water and UV exposure can cause larger pieces of plastic to break down into microplastics. This process can also release gases like carbon dioxide and methane, contributing to further environmental harm.
IMPACT ON MARINE FOOD CHAINS
Microplastics not only affect small marine organisms but also accumulate up the food chain, impacting larger predators and humans. This process, known as bioaccumulation, leads to higher concentrations of toxic substances, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which adhere to microplastic particles. These pollutants can pose severe risks to marine life and human health, including endocrine disruption and other toxic effects.
CHEMICAL CONTAMINANTS AND ADDITIVES
Microplastics often contain or absorb harmful chemicals, including phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and heavy metals. These substances can leach into the environment or the bodies of organisms, causing toxic effects. For example, BPA and phthalates are known endocrine disruptors that can interfere with hormonal systems in both wildlife and humans.
GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION AND HOTSPOTS
Microplastic pollution is a global issue, with significant hotspots such as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Different regions experience varying levels of pollution, including freshwater bodies, polar regions, and remote islands. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted mitigation strategies.
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS AND RESEARCH
Recent innovations aim to tackle microplastic pollution through biodegradable plastics, improved waste management, and advanced filtering technologies. Biotechnological approaches, such as plastic-eating bacteria or enzymes, are also being explored. These solutions offer hope for reducing the environmental impact of plastics.
MICROPLASTICS’ IMPACT ON HUMANS
PATHWAYS OF ENTRY
Microplastics can enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Ingestion occurs when humans consume fish that have ingested microplastics, inhalation happens in environments with plastic particles in dust and aerosols, and dermal absorption can occur through the use of personal care products containing microplastics.
HUMAN HEALTH STUDIES AND FINDINGS
Studies have detected microplastics in human organs and tissues, raising concerns about their health effects. Potential risks include inflammation, immune system responses, and other health issues, though the full extent of these impacts is still under investigation.
LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS AND ONGOING CONCERNS
Legislative measures, such as the U.S. “Microbead-Free Waters Act” of 2015 and the European Union’s recent bans on microbeads, aim to reduce the environmental and health impacts of microplastics. However, despite these efforts, the full extent of microplastics’ effects on human health remains uncertain.
GLOBAL POLICY AND REGULATION EFFORTS
International agreements and collaborations, such as the Basel Convention, play a critical role in addressing plastic pollution. NGOs and advocacy groups are also instrumental in driving policy changes and raising public awareness.
THE UNKNOWN HEALTH IMPACTS ON HUMANS
Research indicates that humans may consume around 2,000 pieces of microplastic annually, though the health impacts are still being studied. Potential risks include endocrine disruption, insulin resistance, weight gain, and cancer.
MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION IN OCEANS
THE SCALE AND THREAT
The oceans are inundated with an estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic, weighing around 900 million tonnes. This pollution not only contributes to the formation of microplastics but also poses a threat to marine life. For example, sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for food, leading to starvation and death.
MICROPLASTICS’ IMPACT ON MARINE LIFE
Microplastics can also affect marine life by reducing fish weight, impairing growth and development, and lowering fertility. This might explain the decline in the average size of Atlantic cod from 45 kg in the 1950s to just 3-4 kg today.
HOW CAN WE PROTECT OCEANS FROM MICROPLASTICS?
THE 3RS: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
We can mitigate microplastic pollution by reducing our use of plastics, especially single-use items, reusing plastic products, and properly recycling them.
THE HIDDEN DANGERS OF SINGLE-USE CUPS
Both plastic and paper cups pose environmental hazards. Paper cups, often coated with plastic, can release microplastics when heated.
PROTECTING OURSELVES FROM MICROPLASTICS
THE GROWING CONSUMPTION OF MICROPLASTICS
As proven in the research done in 2018, the estimated amount of consumed microplastic by humans is around 2,000 pieces annually. Unfortunately, this number goes up every year. To mitigate the effects, we should minimize unnecessary plastic use, avoid products with plastic packaging, and choose plastic-free cosmetics.
UNEXPECTED SOURCES OF MICROPLASTICS
Microplastics can also enter our bodies from unexpected sources, like cooking rice in plastic bags, which releases microplastic particles. We should be cautious about using plastic packaging in cooking and food preparation.
CONCLUSION
As highlighted in this article, microplastics pose severe threats to both the environment and human health. Reducing our plastic use and ensuring proper disposal can help mitigate these impacts. Collective action is crucial to protecting our planet and ourselves from the harmful effects of microplastics. Together, we can make a difference!
Coral Operation Rescue Project 