Activity 3.3.3 – My Plastic Use

 

Microplastics: A Growing Threat to Our Environment and Health

In recent years, microplastics have emerged as one of the most significant environmental and health concerns globally. These tiny plastic particles, less than 5mm in size, have been found almost everywhere, from the depths of the ocean to the air we breathe and even inside our bodies.( Haab, S., & Haab, K. ,n.d.) In this essay, we will explore the definition of microplastics, their sources, and how they pose a threat to our health and the environment.

Definition of Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are smaller than 5mm in size. They can be categorized into two types: primary and secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics are manufactured to be small, like microbeads in personal care products or pellets used in industrial processes. Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, are created when larger plastics, like bottles or bags, break down into smaller particles due to weathering, sunlight, and other environmental factors.

Where are Microplastics Found?

Microplastics have been found almost everywhere, from the deepest parts of the ocean to the highest mountain peaks. They are present in freshwater systems, seawater, soil, and even the air we breathe. Research has shown that microplastics are present in many everyday products, including personal care items, household products, clothing, and packaging materials. They are also found in marine animals, such as fish, shellfish, and plankton, and can enter the food chain, ultimately ending up on our plates.

Distribution of Microplastics in the Environment

Microplastics are found in almost all natural environments, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and soil. In the oceans, microplastics have been found in high concentrations in regions known as "garbage patches," where ocean currents converge and trap large amounts of plastic debris. These patches are located primarily in the North Pacific, but are also found in other ocean basins. Microplastics are also present in freshwater systems, with high concentrations found in areas downstream from urban areas and wastewater treatment plants.

How do Microplastics get there?

Microplastics can enter the environment in various ways. One of the primary sources of microplastics is the breakdown of larger plastics, such as bags and bottles, which release small particles into the environment. Microplastics are also released during the manufacturing process of plastic products, especially when producing microbeads and pellets.(Van Sebille, E. ,2013) Other sources of microplastics include the washing of synthetic clothing, abrasion from tires, and the degradation of fishing gear.

Why are Microplastics Problematic to Humans and the Environment?

Microplastics pose a significant threat to both the environment and human health. Here are some of the reasons why:

Environmental Impacts

Marine ecosystems are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of microplastics. When ingested, they can lead to blockages in the digestive systems of marine animals, resulting in injury or death. Microplastics can also act as a vector for other pollutants, such as heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), that can accumulate in the food chain and ultimately end up on our plates. (Environmental Protection Agency (EPS), 2018)

Additionally, microplastics can cause physical harm to marine animals, such as entanglement in fishing gear, which can result in injuries or death. Microplastics can also affect the behavior of marine animals, leading to changes in migration patterns, feeding habits, and reproduction. (Parker, L. ,2018)

Human Health Impacts

Recent research has shown that microplastics have been found in our food, water, and even the air we breathe, raising concerns about the potential health impacts on humans. When ingested, micro plastics can cause physical harm to the digestive system, such as inflammation or irritation.( Dudas, S. ,2018) can also act as a vector for other pollutants, such as POPs and heavy metals, that can cause health problems such as cancer, reproductive issues, and neurological problems.

Furthermore, microplastics can enter our bodies through inhalation, and there are concerns about the potential long-term health effects of inhaling plastic particles. Research has also shown that micro plastics can accumulate in organs such as the liver and kidneys, which could lead to long-term health impacts.

In conclusion, micro plastics are a growing threat to human health and the environment, and their presence in almost all natural environments is cause for concern. While the full extent of their impact is still being researched, there is growing evidence that micro plastics can have negative effects on both human health and the environment. (Simons Foundation Science Sandbox (Producer). ,2019) It is essential that we continue to raise awareness of this issue and take steps to reduce the release of micro plastics into the environment. This includes actions such as banning micro-beads in personal care products, improving waste management practices, and promoting the use of sustainable materials. (Environmental Protection Agency (EPS), 2018) By taking action now, we can help to mitigate the impact of micro plastic pollution and protect the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

My plastic use in one day

These are the items that are used within one singular day that contain plastic, as well as the items that contain plastic that I threw away. I try to keep down my plastic consumption as low as possible but that doesn’t always happen due to mainly everything containing some kind of plastic, especially micro plastics, even though some of the items that I have contain plastic, I make sure to get their full use out of them before throwing them away or recycling them if possible for one I have my vitamin holder which I have had for a couple years now it is made out of plastic but it still works and I will not throw it away until it breaks. Another thing is my headphone case is made out of plastic. It is to protect my headphones, so I won’t be throwing that away anytime soon either so my containers that I own such as my toothpaste, my lotion, and my perfume are all made of plastic as well, but I am sure to get every last drop out of each and every one of them .

WORKS CITED

Dudas, S. (2018). Microplastics are everywhere [Video]. TEDx Binghampton University. Retrieved from Microplastics are everywhere | Sarah Dudas | TEDxBinghamtonUniversity

Environmental Protection Agency (EPS). (2018). National overview: Facts and figures on materials, wastes and recycling. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-materials

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

Maximenko, N., Chao, Y., & Moller, D. (2016). Developing a remote sensing system to track marine debris. Earth and Space Science News.  https://eos.org/meeting-reports/developing-a-remote-sensing-system-to-track-marine-debris

Parker, L. (2018). Planet or plastic. National Geographic Magazine Online. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/magazine/2018/06/plastic-planet-waste-pollution-trash-crisis/

Simons Foundation Science Sandbox (Producer). (2019). World class explorers help scientists collect elusive data [Video]. World Class Explorers Help Scientists Collect Elusive Data

Van Sebille, E. (2013). Charting the garbage patches of the seas[video]. University of New South Wales. Charting the garbage patches of the sea