The Impact of Microplastics on Marine Life
Nanoplastic, which is plastics that are 5mm or smaller, are rapidly invading the seas and seas creatures are in danger of being annihilated out of existence. These pollutants are emitted from different objects like the breakdown of plastic waste, cosmetics products, and synthetic clothes fibers. Since it is a small particle, large quantities of them can be ingested by species starting with the smallest plankton and all the way up to the largest marine species, including whales.
The consumption of microplastic may cause severe physical effects including internal organ damage and obstruction, and effect from diffusion of toxic compounds that the microplastics may have adsorbed. Such toxins often bio-accumulate in food chains and thus impact humans’ overall wellbeing. Microplastic has been reported to have an impact on the feeding activity, growth rate and breeding patterns of marine animals leading to general mal-functioning of ecosystems.
Measures to solve the problems of microplastic leakage include regulating the use and production of plastic goods, varying post-consumption management solutions, and creating bio-degradable materials that are friendly to the environment. Another positive shift would be increasing public awareness and the focus on sustainable solutions as the ways to limit the effects of microplastics on the oceans and water, and protect marine life and the ocean in the long run.
