The Invisible Threat of Microplastics in the Ocean

(Asher, 2023).

To begin, microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in size and have become an alarming pollutant in our oceans. Originating from many sources, such as consumer products, industrial processes, and the breakdown of larger plastic debris, these incredibly small plastics are now found in almost every location of the marine environment. Microplastics enter the ocean primarily through rivers, wind, and direct dumping of plastic waste. They are found everywhere, contaminating everything from surface waters and deep-sea sediments to coastal areas and remote polar ice. Notably, microplastics can travel large distances through ocean currents, which spreads their impact globally​.

Its impact on marine organisms ranges from tiny plankton to large filter feeders that ingest these microplastics. This ingestion can lead to physical harm, chemical contamination, and even death. For instance, studies have shown that microplastics can affect the feeding behavior and energy levels of zooplankton, which are critical to the marine food web​. Additionally, microplastics can disrupt nutrient cycling by altering microbial communities in sediments, which can potentially intensify harmful algal blooms​. Among concerns for humans, microplastics pose significant risks to human health, primarily through the consumption of contaminated seafood. Recent studies show that microplastics are present in nearly 90% of protein samples tested, including seafood and other meats like beef and chicken​. These particles can accumulate in the human body, potentially leading to inflammation, cell damage, and other health issues. Beyond harming marine life, microplastics also impact the environment. More specifically, the ocean’s ability to capture and store carbon. The process known as the biological carbon pump, involves organic particles to sink to the ocean floor, which helps regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Microplastics interfere with this process by changing the density and sinking rates of these particles, potentially reducing the ocean's capacity to mitigate climate change.

Research and monitoring efforts have been made to understand and combat microplastic pollution. The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) has developed a database to track global microplastic concentrations, which aids researchers and policymakers in addressing this issue​. This database collects data from various sources, including citizen science initiatives and research expeditions, providing a more clear picture of the global microplastic problem. Addressing microplastic pollution requires a mixed approach, such as individual actions to reduce plastic usage, opting for reusable alternatives, and proper waste disposal. Corporate responsibility allows for improved innovations in sustainable packaging and improved waste management practices. Policy measures additionally help enforce bans on microbeads, stricter regulations on plastic production, and international agreements aimed at reducing plastic pollution. Successful initiatives, such as the bans on microbeads in personal care products in several countries, highlight the effectiveness of regulatory actions in mitigating microplastic pollution. However, continued research, public awareness, and international cooperation are important in making significant progress.

To conclude, microplastics represent a severe and growing threat to ocean health, marine life, and human well-being. While significant strides have been made in understanding and addressing this issue, there is still a lot of work to be made. By taking action at individual, corporate, and policy levels, we can reduce the impact of microplastics and protect our oceans for future generations.

Sources

Asher, Claire. "Microplastics pose risk to ocean plankton, climate, other key Earth systems." Mongabay, 9 Oct. 2023, news.mongabay.com/2023/10/microplastics-pose-risk-to-ocean-plankton-climate-other-key-earth-systems/.

Hibbert, Cynthia McCormick. "What is 'marine snow'? And how do microplastics slow the rate at which carbon is pulled from the sea surface to the depths?" Northeastern Global News, 16 May 2024, news.northeastern.edu/2024/05/16/marine-snow-ocean-microplastics/.

"It's Not Just Seafood: New Study Finds Microplastics in Nearly 90% of Proteins Sampled, including Plant-Based Meat Alternatives." Ocean Conservancy, 8 Jan. 2024, oceanconservancy.org/news/its-not-just-seafood-new-study-finds-microplastics-in-nearly-90-of-proteins-sampled-including-plant-based-meat-alternatives/.

Kozlov, Max. "Landmark Study Links Microplastics to Serious Health Problems." Nature, 6 Mar. 2024, www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-00650-3.

"Microplastics Pollution Is a Growing Concern, Affecting Coastal Communities, Marine Ecosystems, Human Health, and the Economy." NCEI, 2 July 2021, www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/ncei-releases-groundbreaking-microplastics-database.