Unravelling the Impact of Microplastics in Our Oceans and Bodies

The world’s oceans, once perceived as vast and invincible, are now under threat from a danger that is invisible to the naked eye - microplastics. These minuscule plastic particles, measuring less than five millimetres in size, have infiltrated marine ecosystems, posing a grave risk not only to marine organisms but also to human health. Plastic material, broken down into microplastics, significantly contributes to marine pollution and can enter the food chain, potentially leading to human consumption of these harmful substances through contaminated seafood and other products. A staggering 92% of plastic pollution found on the ocean’s surface is microplastic, with an estimated 50-70 trillion pieces floating in our oceans.

In this SkootEco blog, we’ll delve into the hidden dangers of these microplastics, tracing their journey from plastic pollution to the human body, and exploring the urgent need for action against this environmental menace.

What is the Definition of Plastic Particles?

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) defines microplastics as "tiny plastic particles that are smaller than five millimetres and are found in the environment as a consequence of plastic pollution." This definition aligns with the general scientific consensus on what constitutes a microplastic.

The size threshold of fewer than five millimetres is commonly accepted across multiple organisations and scientific studies, although methodologies for measuring and studying these particles can vary. The UNEP and other international bodies use this definition as a basis for their research and policy recommendations concerning plastic pollution and its environmental impact.

How are Microplastics Formed?

The journey of microplastics begins with the fragmentation of larger plastic items like plastic bottles, plastic bags, and plastic packaging materials. These items eventually break down due to weathering and exposure to sunlight, creating smaller and smaller pieces. These tiny plastic fragments can also be intentionally manufactured at small sizes for certain industrial purposes, such as micro-beads in personal care products or microfibres in synthetic textiles.

These tiny particles find their way into rivers, lakes, and oceans through various pathways, ultimately forming an invisible yet pervasive form of pollution.

Microplastic Pollution in Oceans

Microplastic pollution in oceans is a growing concern, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering the marine environment every year. This pollution stems from various sources, including land-based activities like littering and sewage discharge, as well as marine-based activities such as fishing and shipping. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5 mm in size, are particularly problematic because they can be ingested by marine animals and enter the food chain.

The impact of microplastic pollution on marine ecosystems is profound. These plastic particles cause physical damage, blockages, and toxicity in marine life. For instance, fish and other marine organisms often mistake microplastics for food, leading to ingestion that can cause internal injuries and even death. Moreover, microplastics have been detected in drinking water and food, raising significant concerns about their potential effects on human health. The pervasive nature of plastic debris in our oceans underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address this environmental crisis.

The 5 Impacts of Microplastics on Marine Life

Microplastics, the tiny plastic particles that result from the breakdown of larger plastic products, pose significant threats to marine ecosystems. These particles infiltrate the natural environment and have far-reaching consequences for aquatic species.

1. Ingestion  Marine organisms, from the smallest plankton to the largest marine mammals, often mistake microplastic particles for food. This ingestion can lead to blockages in their digestive tracts, reduced feeding efficiency, malnutrition, and even death. The presence of microplastics in the food chain disrupts entire ecosystems, as these tiny particles are consumed by larger predators, spreading the impact throughout the marine environment.
2. Toxicity  Microplastics are not just inert plastic materials; they often carry toxic contaminants and chemical pollutants due to their chemical composition. When marine organisms ingest these plastic particles, they may also ingest harmful substances. As microplastics break down further in the digestive tract, these toxins can be released, causing physiological stress and potentially leading to various health issues in marine animals.
3. BioaccumulationAs smaller organisms are consumed by larger predators, microplastics can bioaccumulate in higher concentrations within the bodies of these top predators. This bioaccumulation poses significant health risks to marine species, as well as to humans who consume seafood at the top of the food chain, as these plastic particles and their associated toxins can transfer to human tissues.
4. Behavioural Changes  Research indicates that microplastics can alter the behaviour of marine organisms. For instance, fish exposed to microplastics might exhibit changes in swimming behaviour, foraging patterns, and other essential activities. These behavioural changes can have cascading effects on population dynamics and the stability of marine ecosystems.
5. Impacts on Coral ReefsEven coral reefs, among the most biodiverse marine ecosystems, are not immune to the impact of microplastics. These tiny particles can smother coral reefs, interfering with their ability to thrive and grow. Coral polyps may also consume microplastics, leading to stress and decreased resilience to other environmental threats like bleaching. The presence of microplastics in these ecosystems highlights the pervasive nature of plastic contamination in the marine environment.

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Microplastics pose a range of threats to marine organisms, from the smallest plankton to the largest marine mammal and the impact of microplastics on marine life is a growing concern that highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the potential long-term consequences of plastic pollution.

However, microplastics also pose huge health risks to the human population.

Microplastics in the Food Chain

Microplastics have infiltrated the food chain, posing significant risks to both marine life and human health. Marine animals, from tiny plankton to large fish, ingest these plastic particles, leading to physical harm, nutrient deficiencies, and even death. The complexity of the food chain means that microplastics can enter through various routes, including ingestion by marine animals, absorption through the skin, and inhalation.

Once microplastics enter the food chain, they can be transferred from one species to another, potentially leading to biomagnification. This process increases the concentration of toxic chemicals as they move up the food chain, posing greater risks to top predators, including humans. Alarmingly, microplastics have been found in human tissues, including blood and organs, highlighting the potential health risks associated with plastic contamination. The presence of these tiny particles in our food and bodies underscores the need for urgent action to mitigate their impact on human health and the environment.

The 3 Impacts of Microplastics on Human Health

Microplastics pose a growing threat to human health, as they infiltrate our bodies through various pathways. Scientific research is beginning to uncover the potential risks these tiny plastic particles present, and the findings are cause for concern.

1. Ingestion through Food and Water
   Microplastics can enter the human body via the consumption of contaminated seafood and drinking water. Marine organisms such as fish and shellfish that have ingested microplastic particles may pass these foreign particles on to humans when consumed. Additionally, microplastics have been detected in tap and bottled water, raising significant concerns about their potential accumulation in the human body over time. The presence of microplastics in the food chain highlights the need for urgent action to protect food safety and human health from plastic contamination.
2. Inhalation of Airborne Particles
   Microplastics are not only found in water but also in the air we breathe. In urban areas with significant plastic pollution, these airborne particles can be inhaled, potentially leading to respiratory issues and inflammation. The impact of inhaling synthetic polymers and plastic fibres on the respiratory tract remains an area of active research, but early findings suggest that exposure to microplastics could have harmful effects on human tissues and the respiratory system.
3. Chemical Contaminants and Toxicity
   Microplastics often carry toxic contaminants and chemical additives, which can be absorbed by the human body. These tiny particles may act as carriers for endocrine-disrupting chemicals and persistent organic pollutants, posing a risk to human health. The chemical composition of microplastics, combined with their ability to attract heavy metals and toxic pollutants, underscores the urgent need to address plastic contamination and its implications for human exposure to toxic substances and synthetic polymers.

Both marine life and humans are threatened by microplastics, plastic particles, and the growing issue of single-use plastics and plastic pollution. However, the difference is, we are responsible for this crisis with our overproduction and unsustainable habits surrounding plastic materials, and unfortunately, marine organisms fall victim to our actions.

Legislative Solutions to Microplastic Pollution

Addressing the issue of microplastic pollution requires robust legislative solutions. Governments, organisations, and individuals must collaborate to reduce plastic waste, enhance recycling efforts, and prevent microplastics from entering the environment. Several potential legislative measures can help achieve these goals:

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): This approach requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the waste generated by their products, encouraging them to design more sustainable and recyclable products.
• Deposit-Refund Systems: Implementing deposit-refund systems for plastic bottles and other containers can incentivise consumers to return these items for recycling, reducing plastic waste.
• Bans on Single-Use Plastics: Banning single-use plastics, such as plastic bags and straws, can significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste entering the environment.
• Funding for Research and Development: Increasing funding for the research and development of biodegradable plastics and other sustainable materials can provide long-term solutions to plastic pollution.
• Regulations on Microplastics: Implementing strict regulations on the use of microplastics in personal care products and other applications can prevent these tiny particles from entering the environment.

By adopting these legislative measures, we can make significant strides in reducing plastic waste and mitigating the impact of microplastic pollution on our oceans and human health.

4 Ways We Can Reduce the Invisible Threat of Microplastics

1. Reducing Plastic Use
   One of the primary solutions is to reduce plastic consumption. This includes using reusable bags, glass bottles, and containers, as well as advocating for the reduction of single-use plastics like plastic bottles and food packaging. This shift can significantly decrease the presence of microplastic particles in the environment.
2. Promoting Recycling and Innovation
   Encouraging recycling and supporting innovation in materials science can lead to the development of more sustainable materials that break down naturally and do not contribute to microplastic pollution. By focusing on creating new raw materials and improving the manufacturing process, we can reduce the production of synthetic polymers that become microplastic fragments.
3. Regulation and Bans
   Governments and regulatory bodies should implement strict regulations on the use of microplastics in personal care products and other industries. Bans on single-use plastics, like plastic straws and plastic bags, can also contribute to reducing microplastic pollution. Whilst this is already taking place in some countries, it needs to be stricter and more widespread to combat the persistent presence of microplastics in our natural environment.
4. Educational Awareness
   Raising awareness about the dangers of microplastics is crucial. Educational programs and campaigns can inform the public about the sources and impacts of microplastic pollution, motivating individuals to make environmentally conscious choices. Understanding the impact of plastic waste on human health and marine ecosystems is key to driving change and reducing exposure to microplastics.

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How We Help Combat Ocean Plastic Waste Pollution

SkootEco plays a vital role in tackling plastic waste and microplastic pollution by partnering with Plastic Bank. This collaboration focuses on the collection of plastic debris within a 50-kilometer radius of ocean-prone areas, targeting sources such as shorelines, riverbanks, and households. By mobilising communities to gather plastic waste, SkootEco significantly reduces the presence of plastic particles and larger plastic debris that contribute to marine pollution.

The pervasive threat of microplastics in our oceans and the human body requires urgent attention. These tiny particles, often originating from plastic bottles, plastic bags, and food packaging, infiltrate marine ecosystems and pose severe risks to marine organisms and human health. Our initiatives emphasise the importance of personal responsibility, regulatory measures, and technological innovations to mitigate the impact of plastic contamination.

By addressing plastic pollution at its source and promoting sustainable practices, we aim to protect the marine environment and ensure the well-being of future generations. The time to act is now, to safeguard our oceans and reduce human exposure to harmful microplastic particles and toxic contaminants.