Microplastic Pollution edit
Microplastics are small pieces of plastic debris. The sizes of these microplastics are usually less than five millimeters or 0.2 inches.[1]
Why are microplastic statistics important edit
Microplastic statistics are an essential tool for evaluating the state of the environment, preserving ecosystems, ensuring human health, and driving innovation and policy in response to the problems caused by plastic pollution.[2]
How do microplastics get into our water edit
Our clothes are a major source of microplastic pollution. With every laundry cycle, tiny fibers from materials like polyester, acrylic, nylon, and spandex are released and may wind up in wastewater treatment facilities or the general public.
A single washing machine cycle may release over 700,000 microscopic plastic fibers into the environment, according to a 2016 study that Water World cited. [3]
Environmental impacts edit
Marine Impact: The following statistics highlight the extent of the plastic pollution issue in the world's oceans and highlight the pervasiveness of macro- and microplastics. The information made available makes clear how urgently international action is required to address and lessen the negative effects of plastic waste on marine ecosystems.[4]
1. The waters throughout the world contain almost 5.25 trillion bits of plastic debris.[4]
2. Over 269,000 tons of microplastics are present in the waters.[4]
3. It is estimated that there are 250 pounds of plastic in every square mile of water.[4]
Terrestrial Ecosystem: The term "microplastic pollution" in terrestrial ecosystems describes the occurrence of small plastic particles in terrestrial environments, such as soil and other habitats.[3]
1. According to studies, a third of all plastic waste finds its way into freshwater or soil.[3]
2. A groundbreaking field study that looked into how microplastics affected soil fauna was published in the Proceedings of the Royal Society in 2020. The study demonstrated how subterranean species, such as mites, larvae, and other microscopic organisms essential to preserving soil fertility, have declined as a result of terrestrial microplastic pollution.[3]
Human Health: The possibility that humans could consume microplastics from drinking water and consuming microplastics through the food chain is still being investigated. Here are some statistics regarding this issue.
1. Sharp-edged microplastic particles have the ability to physically irritate human tissue, which could lead to toxicity.[5]
2. Microplastics have the capacity to adsorb additional dangerous substances, such as organic pollutants and heavy metals, which may be harmful to human health.[5]
3. In a Dutch study, 16 of the 22 blood samples that were examined, or 77 percent of the samples, had microplastics in them. [6]
Is there a solution for microplastics edit
The pollution of water with microplastics is addressed by the adoption of both removal and preventative approaches. Over 90% of microplastics are eliminated from wastewater using drinking water and wastewater treatment systems, which are among the most effective removal techniques.[7]
References edit
- ^ "Microplastics". National Geographic. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- ^ "Current State of Microplastic Pollution Research Data: Trends in Availability and Sources of Open Data". Frontiers. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Plastic planet: How tiny plastic particles are polluting our soil". UN Environment Programme. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "How Much Plastic is in the Ocean (2023)". Next Level Sailing. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- ^ a b "Health Effects of Microplastic Exposures". National Library of Medicine. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Wittenberg, Ariel. "Microplastics have been found in human blood. Now what?". Green Wire. Retrieved November 16, 2023.
- ^ Lai, Charlie. "Microplastics in Water: Threats and Solutions". Earth.org. Retrieved November 16, 2023.