Definition:
Microplastics, as defined by Thompson (2015), are small particles or fragments of plastic debris ranging in size from microns to several millimeters in diameter. These particles are so tiny that they often go unnoticed, but their presence is widespread and their impact on our environment and health is profound. In this essay, I will explore the definition of microplastics, where they are found, how they get there, and why they are problematic to humans and the environment.
In our home, we have recently reduced our use of plastic. Since installing a water softener, we no longer need to rely on drinking water from plastic bottles. We still have a few bottles left from our last supply, which we use when we have guests. Apart from water bottles, we also have plastic milk gallons, food and drink containers, and packaging from online purchases.
Sources:
Microplastics enter our waterways through various sources, including the degradation of larger plastic debris such as plastic bags and bottles, the washing of synthetic clothing and textiles, and the runoff from land application of sewage sludge contaminated with microplastics (Haab S. & Haab K.). These tiny particles have been reported in every major open ocean and in many freshwater lakes and rivers, making them a global conservation issue (Wright et al., 2013).
Impact on Human and the Environment:
One of the major concerns surrounding microplastics is their persistence in the environment. Unlike natural materials, microplastics do not biodegrade and will therefore persist in the environments in which they are introduced. This persistence leads to wide-reaching immediate and long-term impacts on the health of species and ecosystems, threatening numerous services and resources on which humans and other species rely (Haab S. & Haab K.). Studies from research labs suggested that microplastics can trigger inflammation and oxidative stress in heart cells, impair heart function, alter heart rate, and cause scarring of the heart in animals such as mice. The study found that patients with microplastics in their removed plaques were 4.5 times more likely to have suffered a stroke, non-fatal heart attack, or death from any cause within 34 months compared to those without detectable microplastics in their plaques. (Watson, 2024)
Regional Impact:
Microplastics pose a direct threat to biodiversity by impacting ecosystems and the organisms that inhabit them. These particles can be ingested by a variety of aquatic organisms, leading to adverse biological effects that impact the fitness and functionality of affected species (Herzke et al., 2016). Additionally, microplastics have the potential to adsorb toxic organic contaminants from water and sediments, transporting them to aquatic organisms that ingest or contact the microplastics. This can lead to bioaccumulation and biomagnification of toxins throughout ecosystem trophic levels, including trophic transfer to humans (Seltenrich, 2015).
Microplastic pollution has been documented in major freshwater bodies such as the St. Lawrence River, Lake Champlain, and the New York sections of Lake Ontario and Lake Erie (Haab S & Haab K.). This pollution threatens the biodiversity and functionality of these waterbodies, endangering the instrumental and intrinsic value associated with healthy waterways for residents and tourists alike.
Mitigation Strategies:
To combat the impacts of microplastic pollution, comprehensive strategies are imperative. These may include the implementation of public policies, international agreements, consumer education, and enhanced awareness. While some national legislation has been enacted to prohibit the inclusion of plastic microbeads in certain products, more action is needed to effectively remediate the negative impacts of microplastic contamination in regional and global water bodies (Haab S. & Haab K.).
In conclusion, Microplastics are a pervasive and persistent threat to our environment and health. Understanding the sources and impacts of microplastics is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their effects and protect our ecosystems. By taking action to reduce plastic waste and promote responsible consumption, we can help minimize the impact of microplastics on our planet.
References:
Haab, S., & Haab, K. (n.d.). The environmental impacts of microplastics: An investigation of microplastic pollution in North Country waterbodies. Adventure Scientists. https://www.adventurescientists.org/uploads/7/3/9/8/7398741/haabhaab2016_environmental_impacts_of_microplastics.pdf
Herzke et al. (2016) Collected from The environmental impacts of microplastics: An investigation of microplastic pollution in North Country waterbodies. Adventure Scientists. https://www.adventurescientists.org/uploads/7/3/9/8/7398741/haabhaab2016_environmental_impacts_of_microplastics.pdf
Seltenrich (2015) Collected from The environmental impacts of microplastics: An investigation of microplastic pollution in North Country waterbodies. Adventure Scientists. https://www.adventurescientists.org/uploads/7/3/9/8/7398741/haabhaab2016_environmental_impacts_of_microplastics.pdf
Thompson (2015) Collected from The environmental impacts of microplastics: An investigation of microplastic pollution in North Country waterbodies. Adventure Scientists. https://www.adventurescientists.org/uploads/7/3/9/8/7398741/haabhaab2016_environmental_impacts_of_microplastics.pdf
Watson, C. (2024, March 7). Plastic is found inside more than 50% of plaques from clogged arteries. Science Alert.
Wright et al. (2013) Collected from The environmental impacts of microplastics: An investigation of microplastic pollution in North Country waterbodies. Adventure Scientists. https://www.adventurescientists.org/uploads/7/3/9/8/7398741/haabhaab2016_environmental_impacts_of_microplastics.pdf
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