Microplastics - Capstone Project

By: Natalie Haviland

Introduction to Microplastics
I know many of you might be wondering, what exactly are
microplastics? This is a new term for many, as the discussion of this
topic hasnt been around for many years and has just recently boosted
in conversation over the past two to three years. Microplastics are not
distinctly determined, but largely known as particles that range from 15 millimeters across and smaller, and are omnipresent pollutants
(Apkan N. 2014). They can result from the breakdown of larger plastic
chunks and also feature in many personal care products such as
toothpaste and soap. Quote "Wastewater treatment facilities do not
have the means to capture these microplastics. This careful study
begins drawing the links between microplastics and the food chain,"
unquote (Tracy Mincer of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution,
Massachusetts).
The classification of microplastics is divided into two different
categories: Primary and Secondary microplastics. Primary microplastics
are the plastics that are made to be of a microscopic size, usually
found as an ingredient in facial cleansers and cosmetics. Microplastic
scrubbers, used in exfoliating hand cleansers and facial scrubs, have
replaced traditionally used natural ingredients, including ground
almonds, oatmeal and pumice (Patel, M.M., Goyal, B.R., Bhadada, S.V.,
Bhatt, J.S., Amin, A.F., 2009). On the other hand, secondary
microplastics describe microscopic plastic fragments derived from the
breakdown of larger plastic debris, both at sea and on land. Over time
a culmination of physical, biological and chemical processes can
reduce the structural integrity of plastic debris, resulting in
fragmentation. It is considered that microplastics might further
degrade to be nanoplastic in size, although the smallest microparticle
reportedly found in the oceans is currently 1.6 micrometers in diameter
(Cole Matthew, 2011)
There are several different root sources of microplastics,
including natural disasters; events such as floods or hurricanes can
accelerate transportation of waste from land to the marine
environment. This only makes sense, considering how much waste
there is covering our land everywhere from the litter on the sidewalks,
the streets, in garbage cans, in dumpsters and in city dumps (Cole
Matthew, 2011). Tourism and recreational activities account for an
array of plastics being discarded along beaches and coastal resorts, as

well as commercial fishing, marine vessels and marine-industries all

being sources of plastic that can directly enter the marine
environment. Fishing gear is one of the most commonly noted plastic
debris items with a marine source because of its particular buoyancy
and ability to drift at variable depths. Shipping has significantly
contributed to marine pollution. Some statistics indicate that in 1970,
commercial fishing fleets in the world have thrown over 23,000 tons of
plastic waste in the marine environment (Derraik, Jos G. 2002).
Another important source of microplastic appears to be through
sewage contaminated by fibers from washing clothes. The abundance
and global distribution of microplastics in the oceans has steadily
increased over the last few decades with rising plastic consumption
worldwide (Moore, C. J. 2002). This is not something to be proud of, but
it is the truth.
Biological Impact
Countless scientists have come to the conclusion that
microplastics may pose problems in the marine environment based on
a variety of different influences. They are accumulating in marine
habitats, and quickly. As the human population grows and people use
more synthetic textiles, contamination of habitats and animals by
microplastic is likely to increase. Ingestion of microplastic provides a
potential pathway for the transfer of pollutants and plastic-additives to
organisms with uncertain consequences for their health (Brunelli L.
2014). The potential for microplastics to cause harm in marine
organisms initially depends on the susceptibility of the species to
interact with them (Gregory, M.R. 2009). Marine life that inhabits the
deep sea is much less likely to ingest any microplastic, whereas marine
life that lives on the coast and closer to the surface of the water has a
much greater chance of interaction with microplastic particles.
Once microplastics are consumed by even the smallest
organism, they are indigestible and therefore remain inside the
digestive system of that organism. Since these microplastic materials
cannot be broken down, a large build up occurs inside the bodies of
marine life that eventually works its way up the food chain, causing
harm on a greater scale. For example, if a smaller marine organism
such as krill were to ingest a microplastic, it would remain inside the
digestive system of said organism. If a predator such as a whale were
to come along and eat the krill, it would be consuming all the
microplastics that have built up inside its body that has been
accumulating for a lifetime. It may be a concept that is hard to grasp
for some, but allow me to paint a picture for you in your head. If each
and every single specimen of prey that is eaten by a whale has

ingested even the smallest amount of plastic, try to imagine the

amount of plastic build-up that would remain in the whales stomach
for the rest of its life, making it even harder to digest the food that it
should be eating. Its somewhat of a tragic truth that many of us are
blind to, but the consequences of our actions as humans have caused
much more permanent damage than we have come to realize, and
sooner or later it will come back to bite us.
Chemical Impact
Studies have shown that plastic particles found in our waters may
transport and be highly concentrated of synthetic organic compounds
such as persistent organic pollutants (also known as POPs), commonly
present in the environment and ambient seawater on their surface
(Gosal S. 2014). It is still unknown if microplastics can act as agents for
the transfer of POPs from the environment to organisms in this way,
but evidence suggest this to be a potential portal for entering food
webs. Of further concern, additives added to plastics during
manufacture may leach out upon ingestion, potentially causing more
serious harm to the organism (Derraik, Jos G. 2002). At current levels,
microplastics are unlikely to be an important global geochemical
reservoir for POPs such as PCBs, dioxins, and DDT in open oceans.
However, it is unclear if microplastics play a larger role as chemical
reservoirs on smaller scales. A reservoir function is conceivable in
densely populated and polluted areas. Oil based polymers (plastics) are
virtually non-biodegradable. However, renewable natural polymers are
now in development, which can be used for the production of
biodegradable materials similar to that of oil-based polymers. Their
properties in the environment, however, require detailed review before
their wide use is permitted (Mato Y. 2001).
Societal/Environmental Impact
Now that we know where we stand in terms of case extremity,
its time that we do something about it. As this is a lesser-known global
issue, what needs to be done is to spread awareness about the issue at
hand or this problem, which is already affecting our environment on a
large scale, will continue to worsen over time, especially the way were
handling it now. Can you imagine what our world will look like in just 50
years if we keep this up? Of course, one of the reasons that nothing is
being done is because we dont know where to begin to attack the
problem. There is not one way to handle a situation such as this,
because there are so many variable contributing factors and no
possible way to undo the damage that has already been done.

Despite all of that, one way you can help promote a better future
for our oceans is to take personal care of your waste. We all know the
saying reduce, reuse, recycle, and in this case, that is something to
live by. By just doing little things like making sure you recycle your
plastic materials and refraining from littering, or even helping out and
picking up someone elses litter, you can make a change. A small
difference is better than no difference at all, and like Buddha once said
A jug fills drop by drop. The best things you can do to help are
promoting the use of less waste and encourage those around you to do
the same.
Conclusion
Conclusively, I cannot stress enough the importance to take care
of the environment youre living in and sharing with the rest of the
world, but Im hoping that what youve read today has been enough to
enlighten you with a new perspective on how you see things. The
ocean isnt just a fun place to swim and have a beach day; it serves as
a home to our fellow species. We have only got one chance to turn
things around, and it starts with you. The preservation of our natural
resources is the only thing that can keep this earth running smoothly
for generations to come, so please do yourself and others a favour and
be mindful of whats going on around you.