Plastic has become one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time, threatening marine habitats on which entire ecosystems depend. With global production continually increasing, the effects of this material on the marine ecosystem are devastating. In this blog, we will explore the differences between macro and microplastics, how they form, and their impact on the oceans.
Macro and microplastics: What's the difference?
Although there is no official definition, microplastics are commonly defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimetres. Beyond this threshold, they are classified as macroplastics, while even smaller fragments, in the nanometre range, are known as nanoplastics.
Microplastics pose a serious threat to marine habitats: difficult to remove, they are easily ingested by marine organisms, causing harm to biodiversity and contaminating the entire food chain, eventually reaching us as well.
How do microplastics form?
The plastic that invades the oceans breaks down through various natural and human-induced processes, including:
- Biodegradation: Animals interact with plastic debris, breaking it down into smaller fragments.
- Hydrolysis: Water directly affects plastic, causing it to deteriorate into microfragments.
- Thermo-oxidative degradation: A slow oxidative breakdown at moderate temperatures that disrupts polymer structures.
- Photodegradation: Sunlight deteriorates plastic materials into increasingly smaller particles.
- Direct release: Microplastics are intentionally produced, for example, for cosmetics or cleaning products, and end up in the oceans through drainage systems
These processes turn plastic into an invisible yet persistent threat, with a devastating impact on the entire aquatic ecosystem.
Plastic in numbers
The data on plastic production and pollution are staggering, highlighting the urgency of the issue:
- Around 8% of global oil production is used for plastic.
- Approximately 300 million tonnes of plastic are produced every year, with a 4% annual increase.
- Less than 3% of this plastic is recycled.
- 50% of all plastic produced is used for single-use products.
It is estimated that around 300 million tonnes of plastic are currently present in the oceans. This alarming figure calls for immediate action inspired by the principles of the blue economy, promoting sustainable solutions to drastically reduce this pollution.
Impact on Marine Biodiversity
Plastic is one of the greatest threats to marine biodiversity, with devastating effects on numerous species, from birds and mammals to reptiles. Its impacts occur through two main mechanisms:
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Entanglement: Many animals become trapped in fishing nets, plastic bags, or other plastic debris. This restricts their movement, feeding, and breathing, disrupting their natural behaviour. For species like seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals, entanglement often leads to suffocation and death.
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Ingestion: Many marine organisms mistake plastic for food. Once ingested, plastic can block the gastrointestinal tract, preventing the absorption of essential nutrients. This leads to malnutrition, stunted growth, and, in severe cases, death.
Plastic as a carrier of chemical pollutants
In addition to the physical damage, plastic poses a chemical threat as it acts as a carrier for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), highly toxic organic substances.
- Persistence: POPs do not easily degrade due to their chemical composition, remaining in the environment for extended periods.
- Bioaccumulation: Organisms that ingest contaminated plastic absorb these pollutants into their bodies.
- Biomagnification: POPs accumulate along the food chain, meaning that animals at the top of the chain, including humans, receive increasing doses of these toxic substances.
Plastic is not only a visible pollution problem but also a hidden risk that undermines the health and biodiversity of marine ecosystems. Tackling this crisis requires decisive action to reduce plastic use and protect marine life.
Cleaning the oceans from plastic with Green Future Project
Thanks to Green Future Project, companies have the opportunity to invest in environmental initiatives aimed at cleaning the oceans from plastic, directly contributing to the protection of marine habitats. Green Future Project’s technology makes it easier to track progress, offering a dedicated dashboard where companies can view the amount of plastic removed from the sea in kilograms and explore project details, such as the benefits for marine biodiversity and local communities, made possible through investments in this initiative.