Subtopic 1: Plastic Pollution in the Ocean: Where does it come from?

Plastic pollution is a major environmental concern today, but it was only introduced a little over a century ago when plastics made from fossil fuels were developed. Although it brought many benefits to our lives, including life-saving devices and new technologies, our throwaway culture has led to negative consequences, revealing the threat posed by plastic to the environment and life.

The ocean is particularly affected by plastic pollution, and most of it is due to improper disposal of disposable plastic items such as food wrappings, bags, razors, and bottles. These items eventually end up in waterways and oceans. However, not all plastic waste in the ocean is due to littering. Some plastics and microplastics result from faulty manufacturing processes, and approximately 20% of the plastic pollution in the ocean is caused by industrial fishing practices.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The accumulation of waste in our oceans has reached a critical level resulting in the formation of enormous clusters of garbage patches scattered throughout the globe. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP), which is located between Hawaii and California, is the largest of its kind and is estimated to contain approximately 80,000 tons of plastic – an equivalent to the weight of 500 jumbo jets.

Location of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Source: Rice (2018)

Rivers

A recent report by Earthwatch Europe and Plastic Oceans UK reveals that rivers are the source of 80% of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean. The study indicates plastic bottles as the primary waste contributor, accounting for 14% of identified plastic waste in European freshwaters. Additionally, food wrappers and takeaway cups are prevalent, comprising 12% and 6% respectively. These plastic items are all single-use and non-recyclable.

What items do we find in rivers and the ocean?

Shown is each item’s share of total litter in different river and ocean environments. This is shown for the most common items in each environment, based on the counts/number of the items found.

Source: Morales-Caselles et al. (2021)

Sewage system

Every day our sewage system is contributing to the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans. Disposable wet wipes and cotton buds with plastic stems are frequently flushed down toilets causing damage to our sewer systems and harming marine life. Microplastics, which are small pieces of plastic less than five millimeters long, are also a major contributor to pollution. These microplastics are difficult to filter out and are found in products such as facial scrubs and synthetic clothing that sheds fibers in the washing machine (Padstow Sealife Safaris, June 2022). A single load of laundry can release up to 700,000 microplastic fibers into the waterways.

Fishing industry

The fishing industry produces a significant amount of plastic waste, commonly referred to as “ghost gear,” which contributes significantly to ocean pollution (Padstow Sealife Safaris, June 2022). Discarded nets and other equipment pose a considerable threat to marine animals, for example, resulting in about 3,200 instances of harm to wildlife in England and Wales alone last .

Key Facts

• Approximately 80% of marine pollution consists of plastic waste, with an estimated 8 to 10 million metric tons of plastic ending up in the ocean each .
• By 2050, plastic will outweigh all fish in the sea, according to scientific .
• In the last decade alone, more plastic products have been produced than in the entire previous .
• The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has indicated that ultimately 100% of all plastics ever produced by humans still exist today.
• Plastic typically takes anywhere from 500-1000 years to degrade, with a result, the microplastics, that never fully break down.
• Currently, there are around 50-75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics present in the .
• This plastic either breaks down into tiny microplastic particles or gathers around to form large garbage . (Marta Fava, May 2022).