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Revealing the Menace: Microplastic Pollution
Under the calm & scenic waters lies a hidden danger: microplastic pollution. These tiny, microscopic plastic particles threaten marine life, terrestrial ecosystems, & human health. From the depths of our oceans to the food on our plates, the reach of this silent menace is vast. In this blog, discover the unseen dangers of microplastics and learn about the urgent need for action.
What are Microplastics?
Plastics have deeply seeped into our society–from toothbrushes to automobile parts, everything is made of plastic. Consequently, they inevitably end up as debris, causing plastic pollution. Plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm in length are referred to as microplastics. These microplastics are so minuscule that they can easily infiltrate waterways, soil, and the air we breathe!
Primary microplastics, such as microbeads, are intentionally created tiny particles for various products. They are made from polyethylene, present in the debris. These are used as exfoliants in many face scrubs, exfoliating body washes & tubes of toothpaste. Then, some pellets & nurdles are small resin pellets used in manufacturing plastic products. When synthetic textiles like polyester, nylon, & acrylic fabrics are worn, washed, or exposed to friction, they release microfibres into the environment.
Over time, existing plastics in debris break down into extremely small particles due to weathering, degradation, and mechanical abrasion. These are called secondary microplastics & their sources are fragmentation of plastic products such as bottle bags. The other source is wearing synthetic tyres & turfs. Both these types are invisible to the naked eye.
Why Should We be Concerned About Microplastic pollution?
Many impacts & complexities are still yet to be discovered as microplastic pollution is an evolving topic in the scientific community.
Many marine scientists have discovered that aquatic animals often mistake microplastics for their food. Further, this can be passed in the food chain and ultimately to the humans who eat seafood. Ingestion of microplastics also causes hampering growth & abnormal behaviour of the fish. Microplastic consumption has toxic effects on marine life. More studies suggest that it also damages their reproductive system.
Just like plastic pollution, microplastic pollution can also alter the soil profile. Environmentalists have warned that mixing of microplastics in the soil can change the moisture & nutrient content, its density, composition, & structure. These changed dynamics can harm the plant roots & damage nutrient uptake, thus causing food insecurity.
Additionally, there is very limited research on the effect of microplastic pollution on terrestrial animals. However, a study conducted in 2021 revealed that microplastics can cause biochemical & structural damage in mice & rats. The scientists further noticed significant dysfunctions of the intestine, liver, excretory & reproductive systems.
According to the United Nations Developmental Programme (UNDP), microplastics can also be found in tap water, bottled water, commonly consumed beverages & salt. The latest study declared that an average adult ingests around 2000 microplastics per year through salt. Chemical leaching from plastic water bottles, knives & dermatologic products is connected to endocrine disturbances, weight gain, insulin resistance, deteriorated reproductive health & cancer. The inhalation of microplastics can harm the human respiratory system.
While there have been extensive studies on the consequences of microplastics on marine life, as previously mentioned, research in this field is still emerging, and there is limited evidence of its effects on human health and terrestrial ecosystems. There is also less awareness related to fatal effects of microplastics amongst the consumers.
How is the World Fighting Microplastic Pollution?
Numerous initiatives, such as The NOAA Marine Debris Program, are dedicated to uncovering the traces and impacts of microplastics in the environment. Additionally, in 2015, then-President Obama signed the Microbead-Free Waters Act, which banned plastic microbeads in cosmetics and personal care products. China implemented a ban on the production and sale of daily chemicals containing microbeads in 2020, with sales ending by the end of 2022. Unfortunately, India has yet to enact any policies banning microplastics. However, in July 2022, the Government of India took a significant step by banning single-use plastic consumption and thermocol to combat plastic pollution.
The journey towards a microplastic-free world begins with awareness and action. By staying informed, making eco-conscious choices, and advocating for change, each of us has the power to make a difference. Together, let's work towards a future where our oceans, land, and air are free from the harmful effects of microplastics.
Sources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8418295/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0013935122000615
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/4/661
https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html
https://www.clientearth.org/latest/news/microplastics-what-are-they-and-why-are-they-a-problem/
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