Eduardo M.

Buenaventura III
ME FTR 11-A1

Microplastics as a part of
marine pollution
CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Marine ecosystems worldwide provide billions of people with rich ecosystem services,
including food benefits, carbon storage, waste detoxification and cultural benefits, including
opportunities for recreation and mental improvement. Any threat to the continued supply of
these ecosystem services has the potential to significantly impact the well-being of humans
across the globe (Aanesen, et al., 2019). Early reports of plastic residues in the sea in the early
1970’s attracted a minimal attention of the scientific community. In 2010, an estimated 4.8 –
12.7 Mt of plastics entered the ocean globally. A 2014 study estimated that 5.25 trillion plastic
particles (weighing 269,000 tons) are floating in the sea. Although the contribution of plastics in
man-made garbage is roughly 10% by mass, it is estimated that plastic debris accounts for 60-
80% of marine litter, reaching 90-95% in some areas (Xantos, & Walker, 2017).
Because of the persistent qualities and high pollution rates of plastics to the
environment, plastic pollution has been named as the “one of the biggest environmental
challenges of this lifetime” by the UN environment in 2018. Since then, numerous studies have
been conducted on this topic to increase the understanding of oceanic plastic transport and
accumulation zones (Boukris, et al., 2019). Ingestion of plastics by birds and turtles is
extensively documented worldwide and at least 44% of marine bird species are known to ingest
plastics such as the black-footed albatross feeding plastic granules to its chicks. A particular
concern is the occurrence of smaller pieces of plastic debris including those not visible to the
naked eye, referred to as “microplastics” (Andrady, 2011).
Microplastics have been defined as small pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters with no
lower limit. It is the result of the fragmentation of larger plastic debris or may be introduced into
the water and sediments already as micro- or nano- sized particles. A primary mechanism for
microplastics generation would be the weathering-related fracturing and surface embrittlement
of plastics in beach environments. Microplastics have been found worldwide and are highly
persistent in the environment, therefore, accumulating in different marine ecosystems at
increasing rate (Barboza, et al., 2018). The contamination of oceans by microplastics is of
concern not only because of ecological impacts but also because they may compromise food
security, food safety, and consequently human health. Knowledge about the effects of
microplastics on human health through consumption of fish and shellfish is still in its infancy and
further research is needed.
Statement of the Problem
There is a poor understanding of the holistic effects of marine plastic and the resultant
impact on ecosystem services, and in turn it’s bearing on human well-being, society and the
economy. Though, removing some marine plastic is possible, it is time intensive, expensive, and
inefficient. Specific questions that the researcher aims to answer are the following:
1. What should be done to prevent the worsening of plastic pollution?
2. What are the factors that cause the spread of microplastics across the ocean?
3. Why is it required for seafarer to know about the status of the ocean?

Significance of the Study

This research will be beneficial to the following:
Future graduates of PNTC. For they will be enlightened of the status of the marine
environment. Thus, will aid them to adjust accordingly to prevent the worsening of the marine
pollution.
Future researchers of the same topic. For this research will serve as their guide for the
research they will conduct. They can improve and learn through the mistakes made in this
research.

Scope & Delimitations of the Study

This research aims to provide an overview of the evidence and potential risks associated
with the presence of microplastics in the marine environment. Thus, the literature providing
evidence of the presence of microplastics in marine life, and challenges and gaps in knowledge
were identified. Soil and terrestrial environment are excluded in this study, as comparisons
between terrestrial and aquatic litter requires a separate study.

Definitions of Terms
Granules – a small compact particle of a substance
Infancy – early stage in the development or growth of something
Mt – short for Metric -tons
Sediments – matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid