Jonah Patel
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a pressing global issue. It is estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010, and the problem is only growing. Plastic pollution in the ocean comes from a variety of land and ocean-based sources, with 70-80% being transported from land to sea via rivers or coasts, and 20-30% coming from marine sources such as fishing nets, lines, and abandoned vessels. The majority of plastic in the ocean is in the form of microplastics, which can include small beads from personal care products, microfibers from synthetic clothing, and broken-down larger items. These microplastics can absorb harmful pollutants and pose serious health risks to marine life and humans. While the exact number is unknown, it is estimated that over 1 million marine animals die each year due to plastic pollution, with seabirds being the most affected. To combat plastic pollution, it is essential to reduce plastic use, improve waste management, and properly dispose of plastic waste to prevent it from entering our oceans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common form of marine debris | Plastics |
| How it enters the ocean | From land via rivers or coasts, and from marine sources such as fishing nets, lines, ropes, and abandoned vessels |
| Percentage of plastic that enters the ocean from land | 70% to 80% |
| Percentage of plastic that enters the ocean from marine sources | 20% to 30% |
| Number of rivers that contribute to plastic in the ocean | Around one-third of 100,000 river outlets |
| Region with the most plastic emissions | Asia |
| Top countries with the most plastic waste | China, the United States, Germany, and Brazil |
| Percentage of plastic waste that is recycled | Only 9% |
| Percentage of plastic waste that is not collected, improperly disposed of, or becomes litter | About 22% |
| Most common plastic items found in the ocean | Cigarette butts, food wrappers, beverage bottles, straws, cups, plates, bottle caps, and single-use bags |
| Impact on marine life | Marine animals can get entangled and killed in plastic debris, and they may also ingest plastic, mistaking it for food |
| Amount of plastic in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch | 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic, covering an area twice the size of Texas |
| Time for plastic to decompose | 20 to 500 years, depending on the material and exposure to sunlight |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic waste from rivers
Rivers are a significant source of plastic waste in the oceans. It is estimated that 1000 rivers contribute nearly 80% of global annual riverine plastic emissions, ranging from 0.8 to 2.7 million metric tons per year. Smaller urban rivers are among the most polluting, with plastic waste transported from land to sea via rivers or coastlines. This waste includes microplastics and macroplastics, with midpoint estimates ranging from 31 kilotons to 2.31 million tons per year for microplastics and 0.15 tons to 1 million tons per year for macroplastics.
The Ocean Cleanup has developed Interceptor solutions to combat river plastic from entering the oceans. They aim to tackle the 1000 most polluting rivers by offering technology, experience, and knowledge to government leaders, private corporations, and the scientific community. An interactive map has also been created to visualize plastic inputs from each of the world's rivers, with the top ten rivers located in Asia, specifically the Philippines, India, and Malaysia.
The Pasig River in the Philippines alone accounts for 6.4% of global river plastics. Asia emits the most plastic into the ocean, with 81% of ocean plastics originating from the region. This is consistent with previous research, which estimated Asia's share in 2010 to be 86%. Mismanaged waste in Asian countries, including India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, and Thailand, contributes significantly to the accumulated plastic in the ocean.
Plastic pollution in rivers poses direct risks to riverine ecosystems and aquatic life. Plastics can degrade into microplastics, settle, or accumulate on shores, endangering ecosystems and leading to the death of marine animals. It is estimated that over 1 million marine animals, including sea turtles, die each year due to plastic pollution in the ocean.
To effectively reduce plastic waste from rivers, it is crucial to understand the origin, transport, fate, and effects of riverine plastic debris. Local actions to reduce plastic inputs in urban coastal areas can help decrease plastic export to the oceans. Additionally, reducing plastic production and improving waste management practices, especially in middle- and low-income countries, are essential steps in mitigating plastic pollution.
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Mismanaged waste in Asia
Mismanaged plastic waste is a significant contributor to ocean plastic pollution. Asia, being the world's most populous region, is a major contributor to this issue. The top 10 countries with the highest generation of mismanaged plastics include Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and China. These countries produce over 1.5 million metric tons of mismanaged plastics annually, with Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam having large coastal populations contributing to the pollution of the oceans.
The problem of mismanaged plastic waste in Asia has been exacerbated by the import of plastic waste from developed countries, particularly after China's ban on plastic waste imports in 2018. Southeast Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, have become major recipients of plastic waste trade, with the region experiencing a surge in plastic waste. This has led to the establishment of new recycling facilities with little regulation, resulting in environmental and health issues for local communities.
The Southeast Asian countries mentioned earlier are among the top five countries for the production of large municipal solid waste, at 1.14 kg/capita/day worldwide. The main causes of the environmental threat in these countries include mismanaged contaminated and unprocessable waste, poor domestic waste disposal management, and insufficient land for proper waste disposal.
To address the issue of mismanaged plastic waste in Asia, several countries have taken initiatives. Malaysia has implemented a roadmap toward zero single-use plastics by 2030 and has returned thousands of tons of plastic waste to other countries. Thailand has restricted electronic waste imports and pledged to end plastic waste imports. These efforts are crucial in mitigating the impact of plastic pollution on the oceans and local communities.
It is important to note that the solution to reducing plastic accumulation in the ocean lies in reducing plastic consumption and improving waste management infrastructures. While high-income countries may excel at processing or exporting waste, middle- and low-income countries often lack the infrastructure to manage the plastic waste they receive. Therefore, a combination of preventive and curative strategies, including controlled consumer demand, material innovation, and investments in better waste management technologies, is necessary to tackle the issue of mismanaged plastic waste in Asia and its impact on the oceans.
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Marine debris
The primary sources of marine plastic debris are land-based, with 70% to 80% of plastic transported from land to sea via rivers or coastlines. Rivers play a significant role in carrying plastic to the oceans, with smaller rivers contributing more than previously thought. The Pasig River in the Philippines alone accounts for 6.4% of global river plastics. Asia is the largest contributor to ocean plastic emissions, with 81% of ocean plastics originating from the region. This is consistent with the fact that Asia is the world's most populous region, and the top ten emitting rivers are located there.
Mismanaged waste in Asian countries, including India, Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Thailand, is responsible for over 75% of the accumulated plastic in the oceans. However, it's important to note that high-income countries, such as the United States, also contribute significantly to plastic waste, but their effective waste management systems keep much of it out of the natural environment. Middle-income countries, on the other hand, often have growing plastic consumption and inadequate waste management systems, making them significant emitters of plastic pollution.
To address the issue of marine debris, particularly plastic pollution, it is essential to reduce plastic consumption and improve waste management practices. Recycling and proper disposal of waste are crucial, as most plastic waste is not collected or is improperly disposed of, ending up in the ocean. Additionally, mechanical filters like the Seabin have been developed to collect and recycle ocean plastics, but they have faced challenges as they also trap marine animals. Overall, a multifaceted approach is necessary to tackle the complex issue of marine debris and its impact on the marine environment.
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Single-use plastics
The production of plastic has increased exponentially since its inception in the early 20th century, growing from 2 million tonnes per year in 1950 to 460 million metric tons in 2019. This amounts to a combined 9.5 billion metric tons of plastic from 1950 to 2019, of which approximately 7 billion metric tons have already become waste. Up to 50% of all plastics produced each year are made as single-use products.
The problem of single-use plastics in the ocean is exacerbated by the fact that plastic does not easily decompose. Plastics can take anywhere from 20 to 500 years to break down, depending on the material and structure. During this breakdown process, larger plastics fragment into smaller and smaller pieces called microplastics, which are smaller than 5mm in size. These microplastics can be further categorized as photodegradable plastics, which break down under light exposure, but even these never fully disappear and instead divide into tiny pieces of microplastics.
The impact of single-use plastics on marine life is devastating. Marine animals suffer from entanglement or ingestion of plastics, and it is estimated that over 1 million marine animals, including many sea turtles, die each year due to plastic pollution in the ocean. The majority of these deaths are seabirds, while mammals account for about 100,000 deaths. Blue whales, the world's largest animal, are estimated to consume about 10 million pieces of plastic per day, equating to between 230 kg and 4 metric tons of plastic during their feeding season.
To address the problem of single-use plastics in the ocean, a multi-pronged approach is necessary. Firstly, there needs to be a reduction in the production and use of single-use plastics. This involves companies adopting alternatives to single-use plastics and governments enacting legislation to limit or ban these products. Consumers also play a crucial role by reducing their consumption of single-use plastics, reusing and recycling items, and advocating for change. Additionally, managing plastic waste is essential, especially in middle- and low-income countries that may lack the infrastructure to process the plastic waste they generate or receive from other nations. Finally, participating in cleanup efforts, such as NOAA's Marine Debris Program, can help remove plastic from the ocean and prevent further pollution.
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Plastic waste from fishing and shipping
Plastic waste from the fishing and shipping industries is a significant contributor to ocean plastic pollution. While it is often challenging to pinpoint the exact sources of pollution, recent studies have shed light on the extent of fishing-related plastic waste in our oceans.
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a vast accumulation of marine debris twice the size of Texas, is a stark example of the impact of fishing activities on ocean plastic pollution. It is estimated that 75% to 86% of the plastic waste in this area originates from offshore fishing activities, with major industrialized fishing nations such as the United States, China, Japan, and South Korea being the principal contributors. Lost fishing gear, also known as "ghost gear," accounts for about 20% of all marine plastic.
Rivers also play a crucial role in transporting plastic waste from land to the ocean. It is estimated that 70% to 80% of ocean plastic comes from land-based sources, with rivers serving as conduits. The latest research has identified that smaller rivers, particularly in Asia, East Africa, and the Caribbean, contribute more significantly to ocean plastic pollution than previously thought. The Pasig River in the Philippines, for instance, accounts for 6.4% of global river plastics.
To address the issue of plastic waste from fishing and shipping industries, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Reducing the use of single-use plastics and transitioning to more sustainable fishing gear and commercial fisheries are crucial steps. Additionally, improving waste management practices, especially in middle- and low-income countries, is essential to prevent bulk exports of plastic waste. Education and initiatives by organizations like The Ocean Cleanup also play a vital role in tackling this global issue.
The impact of plastic waste from the fishing and shipping industries on our oceans is undeniable. By recognizing the sources and implementing sustainable solutions, we can work towards reducing the plastic pollution that threatens marine life and the health of our oceans.
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Frequently asked questions
Most of the plastic in the ocean comes from land-based sources, with 70% to 80% transported from land to sea via rivers or coastlines.
Asia is the largest contributor to ocean plastic pollution, with 81% of ocean plastics emitted from the region. The Philippines, India, and Malaysia are home to the top 10 emitting rivers, with the Pasig River in the Philippines alone accounting for 6.4% of global river plastics.
Commonly found plastics in the ocean include microplastics, such as microfibers, beads, and fragments, as well as larger items like abandoned fishing nets, bottles, bottle caps, food wrappers, straws, and single-use bags.
While it is challenging to determine the exact amount, scientists estimate that about 8 million metric tons of plastic entered the ocean in 2010. More recent estimates suggest that over 11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year.
