From being found in single-use packaging to clothing, plastic has played a significant role in production since its creation. Originally developed as a practical solution, it has now permeated almost every aspect of our lives. Synthetic polymers played a huge role during World War II, being used in military materials such as parachutes and wire insulation. This eventually paved the way for the mass production of consumer goods, a practice that is extremely common today. Plastic gradually replaced traditional materials in manufacturing and has now contaminated our water sources, food, and even our bodies.
Many microplastics are created from the breakdown of existing plastic products. With the current amount of plastic waste—expected to double in the coming years—these particles seep into the environment and have been shown to affect animals as well as plant growth. Whether through inhalation or ingestion, increasing amounts of microplastics have been found in humans, specifically in their organs, and even within cells. These particles can cause DNA damage, reproductive issues, an increased risk of heart attacks, and other health concerns.
Unfortunately, the full extent to which microplastics harm the human body is not yet fully understood, as this is a fairly recent development and findings. However, with billions of microplastics already present on our planet – their quantity expected to double by 2040 – the effects will continue to be studied.
Microplastics also affect the ocean environment by slowing the growth of marine organisms. They hinder the production of oxygen; for example, microplastics reduce the ability of organisms like plankton to maintain the balance of the carbon cycle, which heavily contributes to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Additionally, microplastics have been found to impair the immune systems of many animals, including fish, which ultimately disrupts the food web as they spread to consumers. They have also affected mice and birds, with studies showing increased illness often coinciding with decreased metabolism.
Crop growth has also been affected because a plant’s ability to carry out photosynthesis is weakened. Algae, a primary producer with an extremely important role in the food web, has been studied, and findings show that its growth has slowed due to the presence of plastic.
The current annual production of plastic on Earth is 430 million tons, with millions invading our natural resources and affecting every aspect of our lives. Plastic never truly decomposes and it is important for us to realize that it is poisoning both our planet and ourselves.
Scientists are exploring potential solutions, including studying possible plastic-eating organisms that could help reduce the amount of waste we currently produce. A plastic-eating enzyme called Ideonella Sakaiensis 201-F6 was discovered to be able to break down Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), an extremely common type of plastic. It consumes the carbon in PET, which is similar to another organism, like Aspergillus Tubingensis, a type of fungus that consumes plastic as its food source. Another solution scientists have found is converting plastic, including unrecyclable waste, into fuel through a process of melting plastic into oil or wax.
We can also take part in preventing more plastic waste; for example, recycling as much as possible as well as being knowledgeable about where the things you throw away are going always helps to decrease adding on to the already overwhelming amount of plastic in our landfills. Reusing old toys or products that are no longer used also gives a new life to things that would otherwise be considered garbage. Single-use plastics have a great impact and their effects have often been overlooked, and being conscious and cutting down on our use of these will also be beneficial for the environment. As more people become aware of the severity of plastic pollution and how harmful microplastics are, we can advocate for less plastic use to slow the impact of climate change and help restore our planet.
Works Cited
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The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect nor represent the Earth Chronicles and its editorial board.
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