Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing hazards we face today in terms of environmental crises. The exponential increase in production and consumption of single-use plastic products has surpassed our capacity to effectively manage them, resulting in severe consequences for humans health and the environment. While the visible effects of plastic pollution are more apparent in developing countries in Asia and Africa as they could not able to develop any effective waste management systems and thus struggles with growing plastic pollution.
Origins and Acceleration of Plastic Production
These days, it is hard to imagine a world without plastic. Half of all plastics ever made were produced in the previous 15 years, an alarming situation that shows just how rapidly the commercial sector for producing plastic has expanded. Production of plastic has increased rapidly from 2.3 million tons in 1950 to 448 million tons in 2015. The environmentalists predicted that if the production of plastic goes at the same rate, then this number would double by 2050.
Plastic Pollution in Pakistan
As a growing country with a population of over 220 million people, Pakistan is facing a serious environmental crisis in the form of plastic pollution. Plastic waste has accumulated significantly across the country due to a lack of efficient waste management systems. According to the UN Development Program (UNDP), Pakistan produces roughly 20 million tons of solid waste each year, with an annual increase of 5 to 10%. Furthermore, the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) reported in 2018 that Pakistan is among the top ten countries in the world in terms of plastic pollution. Surprisingly, it is believed that almost 90% of plastic waste in the country is dumped in landfills and water channels, aggravating the environmental crisis.
Dumping of Plastic Waste into Oceans
Each year, an alarming 8 million tons of plastic waste from coastal nations find their way into our oceans. Plastics designed to be strong, flexible, and long-lasting, possess inherent resistance to degradation. A plastic bottle, for instance, can persist in marine environments for up to 450 years, gradually fragmenting into smaller pieces that never truly disappear. Astonishingly, every piece of plastic ever produced still exists in some form today, and our consumption continues to escalate.
Littering, dumping plastic waste, and inadequate waste collection all contribute to the presence of plastics in the environment. In 2019, an astounding 368 million metric tons of plastics were produced globally, with Asia accounting for half of that amount. If current trends continue, it is projected that by 2050, around 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste could either end up in landfills or escape into natural habitats.
The Nuisance in the shape of Microplastics
Microplastics have emerged as a significant source of concern within the domain of plastic pollution. These tiny particles, ranging in size from one to 5,000 μm, are the consequence of the degradation of larger plastic pieces and are classified as either primary or secondary microplastics. There are an estimated 51 trillion microscopic fragments of plastic weighing an astounding 269,000 tons in every corner of our planet.
Key Impacts of Micro Plastic on the Environment
Microplastics have significant harmful effects on the environment and health.
1. Ingestion by Marine Life
Microplastics are so tiny that fish, birds, and turtles living in the water bodies commonly mistake them for food. If they ingest enough of these tiny pieces of plastic, it may cause obstruction in their digestive systems, leading to illness, injuries, malnutrition, and even death.
2. Disruption of Food Chains
As a part of the food chain, when marine species consume microplastics and become food for bigger predators, they also poison them. The toxicity of microplastics harms the health of these animals and disturbs the delicate balance of the whole food chain.
3. Habitat Destruction
Microplastics have the potential to disturb ecosystem balance by influencing water quality, nutrient cycling, and other critical ecological processes. Long-term habitat degradation may have far-reaching effects on the general health of ecosystems.
4. Contamination of Soil and Landscapes
Microplastics can easily be mixed up in the soil through sewerage lines, agricultural practices, and air paths. Once present in the soil, they have the potential to disrupt terrestrial ecosystems by affecting plant growth, nutrient integration, and soil quality.
5. Polluting Water Sources
Microplastics are a major threat to the cleanliness of the water bodies. Consumption of polluted water poses dangers to human health and may have negative effects on aquatic life.
6. Transport of Chemical Pollutants
Microplastics have an extraordinary capacity to absorb and transfer harmful substances. Microplastics may absorb toxic contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants when they enter the environment. This increases the likelihood that these harmful compounds will enter the food chain and can cause damage to both animals and humans.
Negative Effects of Micro Plastics on Human Health
1. Ingestion through Food and Water
Microplastics are consumed unknowingly via the food we eat and the water we drink. These particles can be found in seafood, water, and even bottled water. Potential health concerns include hormone imbalance, inflammation, and tissue damage.
2. Toxicity
Microplastics include additives and chemicals that may contaminate food and water. Inhaling microplastics poses a threat to the respiratory system and may cause respiratory problems.
3. Skin Absorption
Microplastics may also enter the body via the skin, particularly if you use cosmetics or personal care items with microbeads or have been exposed to synthetic textiles made of plastic.
4. Immune System
Microplastics can affect the immune system by initiating an inflammatory response, which may result in chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction.
5. Endocrine Disruption
Microplastics can interfere with the endocrine system, posing the risk of infertility, developmental disorders, and cancer, among other health issues.
6. Brain Function
Microplastics in our bodies have the potential to cause neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. They may also include neurotoxic compounds, which raises the possibility of cognitive and neurological issues.
7. Resistance to Antibiotics
Microplastics may contribute to antibiotic resistance. They have the ability to retain and concentrate bacteria and genes, and thus, our bodies find difficulty to cure different illnesses.
As we continue to learn more about the impact of plastic pollution on our planet and health, we are motivated to take swift action to address this issue on a global level. The increasing awareness about microplastics and their impact on the environment and our health has led to a growing awareness and a call to action for change. By working together and implementing creative solutions, we can make a positive difference in reducing plastic waste and protecting our planet. By taking collective responsibility and committing to sustainable practices, we can make a positive impact to reduce plastic pollution and ensure a bright future for generations to come.
