Effects Of Plastic Pollution On Marine Environment

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Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystem

Human activities are responsible for the increasing decline of the world 's biological diversity. In the oceans, activities such as over-harvesting, pollution, introduced species, habitat fragmentation, and habitat destruction can be a major threat. One particular threat by human impact that continues to harm marine life is plastic debris pollution. Plastic pollution contributes to around 60-80% of marine debris. These debris can reach the ocean in various ways such as disposing by merchant ships, left behind by beach-goers, or river and municipal drainage systems. As soon as it reaches the ocean, it can affect the marine life because the debris might sink to the seabed and later be consumed by living …show more content…

The plastic materials tested included two oxo-biodegradable formulations (TDPA), bag using GM-free corn starch, vegetable oils, and compostable polyesters, and a standard polyethylene bag made of 33% recycled material (O 'Brine 2010). This study was to compare the rate of degradation of these bags in the ocean over a 40 week period. Each bag was cut into 7 cm by 1 cm strips and 25 strips of each of the bags were stapled together onto a wooden sample holder attached to a floating pontoon. These samples were present near the water surface while also at great depths and degradation was examined at 4, 8, 16, 24, and 40 weeks. When removed from the sample holder, degradation was determined by reduction in tensile strength and surface area loss. Tensile strength was measured using the Universal Testing Machine to indicate the maximum extension until breakage of the plastic. Surface area was measured using ImageJ analysis by looking through a light microscope. The amount of UV transmitted through the plastic was also determined to test whether fouling by marine organisms will reduce the amount of UV light reaching the plastic because UV light can initiate oxidative process by producing a chemical that can deteriorate plastics. The plastic samples made of TDPA 1, 2 and standard polyethylene showed an increase …show more content…

"The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: a review." Marine pollution bulletin 44.9 (2002): 842-852.

Eich Andreas, Tobias Mildenberger, Christian Laforsch, and Miriam Weber. "Biofilm and Diatom Succession on Polyethylene (PE) and Biodegradable Plastic Bags in Two Marine Habitats: Early Signs of Degradation in the Pelagic and Benthic Zone?: E0137201." PLoS One, 10.9 (2015).

Gouin, T, A.A Koelmans, N Wallace, R Thompson, and C Arthur. "Plastics in the Marine Environment." Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 33.1 (2014): 5-10.

O’Brine, Tim, and Richard C Thompson. "Degradation of Plastic Carrier Bags in the Marine Environment." Marine Pollution Bulletin, 60.12 (2010):

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