Larger pieces of plastic break down in the oceans. A 2021 study by Kyushu University researchers estimated that there are 24.4 trillion pieces of microplastics in the world’s upper oceans, with a combined weight of 82,000 to 578,000 tons.
Newswise — A global team of scientists is urging the world community to acknowledge the complete ecological and health peril posed by plastics and classify them as persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic (PBT) contaminants.
In a recent Perspective article featured in Environmental Science and Technology, the scientists contend that classifying plastics, encompassing micro- and nano-sized particles, as PBT pollutants would equip governments with the necessary means to enhance the regulation of plastic production, utilization, and recycling.
"We must rouse global awareness and grasp the perils posed by these contaminants," emphasizes Dr. Juan José Alava, an ocean researcher from the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the lead author of the study. The research involves scholars from various regions worldwide, including Canada, the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia.
This appeal is timed in anticipation of the United Nations' Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution's endeavors to establish a globally recognized and legally binding treaty aimed at tackling plastic pollution.
"We inhabit an era dominated by plastic—the Plasticene," asserts Dr. Alava, the lead researcher at UBC's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries' Ocean Pollution Research Unit. "Plastic is omnipresent. It permeates the oceans, coastal regions, and terrestrial ecosystems. It has been discovered within animals worldwide, embedded in human tissues and organs, and even in the depths of the Mariana Trench, the most profound region of our oceans. These materials do not readily decompose, thus persisting for countless years."
The very attributes that make plastics appealing—such as their popularity, durability, and efficiency—are also the factors that render them hazardous. Due to their extended lifespan, slow degradation rates, and remarkable durability, plastics can take up to 2,500 years to biodegrade or disintegrate. Notably, single-use polyethylene terephthalate (PET) water bottles and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic bottles exemplify this issue. If no changes are implemented, the worldwide ecological impact of plastics will continue to reshape environmental systems and have detrimental effects on the oceans.
Plastics have a tendency to accumulate within organisms, and aquatic animals are particularly vulnerable to exposure to micro- and nano-sized particles. These particles pose a toxic threat to marine creatures, as they can alter gene and protein expression, induce inflammatory reactions, impact brain development, and hinder growth and reproductive rates. Additionally, they disrupt normal feeding and foraging behaviors, impeding the animals' ability to obtain proper nutrition.
"It is crucial to bear in mind that the issue extends beyond just plastics," stresses Dr. Gunilla Öberg, a coauthor affiliated with UBC's Institute for Resources, Environment, and Sustainability. "Numerous plastic items contain chemicals that, on their own, are recognized as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic."
These plastics, which contain other toxins, can act as a “Trojan Horse” in the ocean.
"Organisms frequently ingest these plastics unintentionally, leading to their role as carriers of various chemicals and microorganisms," explains Dr. Gabriela V. Aguirre-Martínez, a coauthor affiliated with Universidad Arturo Prat in Chile.
Humans also consume these particles through the food we eat, including seafood. While the potential health risks are still being investigated, the ability of plastics to accumulate in human tissues and organs poses a significant danger, especially for coastal communities heavily dependent on seafood as a food source.
"Plastic particles have been discovered in the human placenta, breast milk, lungs, and colon," highlighted Dr. Alava. "Hence, the exposure is undeniable. While Canada has already prohibited six categories of single-use plastics, it remains crucial to eliminate other detrimental plastics, such as PET water bottles. It necessitates a global endeavor to effectively eradicate harmful plastics from the world."
"This appeal ahead of the upcoming round of negotiations for the United Nations Environment Programme's international legally binding instrument for plastic pollution is of utmost importance," affirms Dr. Melanie Bergmann, a co-author affiliated with the Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research. "Access to these negotiations is highly restricted, making it difficult for representatives from civil society and the scientific community to participate and emphasize the significance of addressing this aspect that has not received sufficient attention thus far."
Dr. Alava expresses the aspiration that our ecological footprint will eventually reflect a transition from plastics to biodegradable alternatives and environmentally friendly materials. "We should actively consider strategies to become pioneers in ocean conservation and inspire future generations to alter their perception of plastics and their consumption habits," he emphasizes.
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