Plastic pollution has severe impacts on marine life, affecting animals at every level of the food chain. Here’s a detailed explanation:
1. Ingestion by Marine Animals:
- Marine creatures such as fish, turtles, seabirds, and whales often mistake plastic pieces for food.
- Ingested plastics can block the digestive tract, reduce nutrient absorption, and cause starvation or death.
- Microplastics (tiny plastic particles) can accumulate in the bodies of smaller organisms and move up the food chain, affecting larger predators.
2. Entanglement:
- Animals can get entangled in discarded fishing nets, plastic bags, and six-pack rings.
- Entanglement can cause injury, restrict movement, hinder feeding, and sometimes lead to drowning.
3. Toxicity:
- Plastics can release harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into the water.
- These chemicals can accumulate in marine organisms, affecting reproduction, growth, and immune systems.
4. Habitat Disruption:
- Large accumulations of plastic debris can damage coral reefs and seabed habitats.
- Floating plastics can change light penetration in water, affecting photosynthesis of marine plants and algae.
5. Bioaccumulation:
- Microplastics and associated toxins can build up in the bodies of marine animals over time.
- This not only harms marine species but also poses risks to humans who consume seafood.
In short, plastic pollution causes physical harm, chemical exposure, and habitat disruption in marine ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and the health of the oceans.