Plastic is not biodegradable and only breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces known as microplastics.
MICROPLASTICS have gained significant attention as a global environmental concern in recent years.
These tiny plastic particles which are often invisible to the naked eye are infiltrating ecosystems and posing a serious threat to aquatic life and the environment as a whole.
As we commemorate World Environment Day this year under the theme of #BeatPlasticPollution, it is critical to address the impact of microplastics on our waters and the need for proactive collective action to combat this silent menace.
Unseen pollutant
By de facto, microplastics are plastic particles measuring less than 5mm in size. They can be categorised into primary microplastics which are intentionally produced for various purposes such as microbeads in personal care products, and secondary microplastics which result from the fragmentation of larger plastic debris like bottles, bags and fishing nets.
Ironically, one such source of plastic debris is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch which is approximately thrice the size of France (1.6 million sqkm to be exact), and is still growing every year. It has been reported that the patch stretches from the coastal waters of Japan to the waters closest to the southern coast of California and Mexico.
Microplastic accumulation in our waters is a direct result of widespread plastic pollution from human activity. Their presence is caused by a variety of factors, including improper waste disposal, industrial discharges and the breakdown of larger plastic items through natural degradation.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific Ocean, and is one of five major garbage patches in the ocean.
The impact of microplastics on aquatic ecosystems is far-reaching and detrimental. Marine and freshwater organisms, ranging from tiny zooplankton to large marine mammals, are at risk. Microplastics can be mistaken for food, leading to ingestion by marine species which end up on our plates.
This ingestion not only causes physical blockages and internal damage but also exposes organisms to toxic chemicals present in the plastics, such as persistent organic pollutants and additives used during manufacturing.
In tandem with that, microplastics and other trash that accumulate on or near the ocean’s surface block sunlight from reaching the marine food web’s producers – the algae and plankton in the water. The entire food web may change if these algae and plankton communities are threatened.
In turn, other marine animals which feed on algae and plankton will have less food and if those populations decline, there will be less food for apex predators like tuna, sharks and whales.
We see the impact in the availability and price of seafood – there’s less to go around and it’s getting more expensive.
Elephant in the room
The presence of microplastics in our waters also has broader environmental implications. These particles can accumulate in sediments, altering the composition and distribution of marine and freshwater habitats.
Moreover, the persistence of microplastics in the environment is a grave concern.
We know that plastic takes centuries to degrade fully, and even then, they may only break down into smaller and more toxic particles. The sheer scale of microplastic pollution necessitates immediate action to prevent further contamination of our waters and protect fragile ecosystems.
Combating microplastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach involving individuals, communities, industries and governments.
The recent announcement by the Natural Resources, Energy and Climate Change (NRECC) Ministry on the government’s plan to eliminate usage of plastic bags for retail purposes across all business sectors nationwide by 2025 is a necessary move.
A dead gannet trapped in a plastic fishing net washed ashore on Kijkduin beach, the Netherlands.
According to NRECC Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the campaign will be carried out in stages, starting with fixed business locations like supermarkets and certain shops before extending to other business locations like roadside stalls after being implemented in all physical outlets by 2025.
On the other hand, consumers can actively avoid plastic products where they are able, while industry players need to explore sustainable alternatives for consumers and adopt responsible waste management practices.
Efforts to reduce plastic waste at the source are equally important. This includes promoting the use of biodegradable materials, encouraging recycling initiatives and incentivising eco-friendly practices which contribute to the larger circular economy as well.
Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to our waters and ecosystems, demanding immediate action not only at the national level but also on a global scale.
As we remember the theme for World Environment Day this year, #BeatPlasticPollution resonates strongly with the need to combat microplastics.
By raising awareness, implementing stringent regulations, promoting sustainable alternatives, and supporting scientific research, we can collectively safeguard our precious waters, preserve biodiversity and secure a plastic-free, sustainable future for generations to come.
