Million tons of Microplastic pollution in the Atlantic Ocean 

Million tons of Microplastic pollution in the Atlantic Ocean 

Part of: GS-Prelims and GS-III – Environment

In News:

• A study was published in ‘Nature Communications’ about micro plastic pollution in the Atlantic Ocean. 
• The pollution is put at 11.6-21.1 million tonnes. 

Key takeaways 

• Top 200 meters of the Atlantic was measured. 
• Pollution caused by three types of plastics was studied – polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. 
• These are most commonly used for packaging.
• Both inputs and stocks of ocean plastics may be much higher than determined.
• Assessment across all sizes and polymer groups is important to determine the danger of plastic pollution. 

Important value additions 

Plastic 

• It is a synthetic organic polymer made from petroleum. 
• Applications: 
  • Packaging
  • Building and construction
  • Household and sports equipment 
  • Vehicles 
  • Electronics 
  • Agriculture
• It is cheap, lightweight, strong and malleable.
• Sources of Marine Plastic: 
  • Land-based and storm runoff
  • Sewer overflows
  • Beach visitors 
  • Inadequate waste disposal 
• Impact of Plastic Pollution 
  • Ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species.
  • The transfer of contaminants between marine species and humans through seafood consumption. 
  • Contribution to global warming