Marine pollution causes and environmental impacts

¶ … sciencedaily.com/Releases/2012/04/120417102506.htm

In the article titled: "Plastic garbage in oceans: Understanding marine pollution from microplastic particles," discussion starts with the danger posed by microplastic particles to numerous marine life that inhabit the oceans and seas. These "large quantities of globally produced plastics end up in the oceans where they represent a growing risk." The smallest objects within the range of particles that make up the pollution are microplastic particles which not only pose the greatest risk in harming marine wildlife, but also remain the least investigated pollutant. The article wishes to show how efforts are being undertaken to establish standardized guidelines to help record and characterize microplastic particles in the sea for analysis and measurement of its impact on marine wildlife.

When observing the source of these microplastic particles, the investigators note the water bottles in and around the shorelines and the pieces of plastic floating in the water creating the microplastic phenomenon. These microplastic particles are ingested by animals like mussels and others in varying stages of the food chain which could have adverse effects on people who consume these animals. Microplastic particles are defined as: "understanding these to mean plastic objects whose diameter is less than five millimeters -- whereby the majority of microplastic particles are smaller than a grain of sand or the tip of a needle." Because microplastic particles are so small, they can get ingested by several organisms and become an issue on a global scale.

The investigation of 68 scientific publications revealed contrasting results with scientists performing various studies and examinations leading to inconsistent results across the topic. But due to the various studies, investigators can now deduce that smaller holed nets can trap more microplastic particles therefore providing a more accurate measure of how many of these particles are within the water. "It emerged that 100,000 times more microplastic particles could be fished out of the water column if a net with a mesh of 85 micrometers was used instead of one with 450 micrometers." The article ends with the need for standardization of methods to lead to overall better results.

Evaluation: The article was based off of a journal article: Microplastics in the Marine Environment: A Review of the Methods Used for Identification and Quantification. It was listed in the references which gave some credibility to the article. A lot of the statements presented in the article seemed based on legitimate information observed, investigated, and studied by scientists and people interested and learned in the field of marine pollution. All of the quotes provided in the summary come from scientific sources and the information appears to be tested and approved. The background on the gaps in research and the observances of the possible sources of the microplastic particles appears legitimate with logic explanation and a good suggestion for solutions and information.

Assessment: Short-term damage can be immediately seen through finding animals with ingested plastics as the article mentioned, mussels had microplastic particle in their digestive system since the size of the particles were around the same as a grain of sand. Not only do microplastic particles pose a short-term problem in relation to animals ingesting it, but also the source of these microplastic particle, plastic bottles are filling the beaches and shorelines of the world leading to dramatic impacts on water and land quality throughout the world. In terms of long-term damage brining back ingestion and the aforementioned article quote, people can become affected by these microplastic particles because they eat the animals that consume the particles. These particles can be hazardous to the health of living organisms and if these particles accumulate in the body, that could pose a serious health risk for humans who eat seafood often.

Solutions: The solutions offered in the article in regards to standardization of methods in order to effectively record and monitor rate and progression of marine pollution as it relates to microplastic particles seems like an effective means of quantifying and accurately monitoring the problem. The inclusion of getting smaller-hole nets to gather the articles was also a welcome addition. However, the article did not offer a solution for reduction of pollution but rather to measure it. That step must come after proper measurement logically, but because of the immediate effect the pollution has on marine life and the environment, it is important to try to suggest immediate solutions.