Plastic Pollution widespread in all water bodies of world

Plastic Pollution widespread in all water bodies of world

Subject: Environment

Section: Pollution

Coral reefs: In a recent study it has been found that Macroplastics ( over 5 cm) constituted 88 percent of debris found in reefs. Levels of macroplastics were highest in the deep reefs. In most surveyed areas, fishing vessels were identified as the main source of plastic, such as lines and discarded traps. These plastics occurred in all three big oceans Pacific, Indian and Atlantic and occupying remote, uninhabited reefs of Central Pacific.

Large lakes and Reservoirs:

• These have been found to be highly polluted by Microplastics(over 250 microns).
• The large lakes of Urbanised areas and already in anthropogenic influence are most vulnerable. The most polluted lakes have been found to have microplastics pollution level comparable to Subtropical Oceanic gyres,marine areas collecting high level of debris.
• These findings highlight the importance of including lakes and reservoirs when addressing plastic pollution.

What are macroplastics?

• Macroplastics are marine litter that is larger than approximately 0.5 centimetres. Macroplastics consist of a large variety of plastic, from small plastic fragments to large objects such as shipwrecks and trawl bags.
• Macroplastics are often recognisable objects, but some macroplastics are also unidentifiable plastic fragments. Ex rope fragments, polystyrene pieces, plastic bottles, fishing nets etc.

What are microplastics?

• Microplastics are plastic fragments smaller than 0.5 cm.
• Microplastics may have been produced industrially or originate from plastics that are broken down in nature due to wind,sun and waves.
• They are also called microbeads and are used in many health and beauty products. They pass unchanged through waterways into the ocean. Aquatic life and birds can mistake microplastics for food.