Plastic is one of the most devastating pollutants invading the oceans and causing incalculable environmental damage. Given the alarming increase in this problem, many people are wondering how plastic gets into the sea . Answering this question is crucial to understanding the process by which plastic products and waste end up in the ocean and affect marine life.
In this article, we will discuss in detail how plastic reaches the sea, the processes that facilitate its journey and the consequences it generates for the oceans and for us.
Plastic as a pollutant
Plastic is a dangerous pollutant for the environment, especially for the oceans. One of the main ways plastics reach the sea is through rivers and the wind, as well as the direct abandonment of rubbish on beaches. These plastic products, such as cigarette butts, wrappers and disposable straws, can take centuries to decompose, some up to 500 years.
This delay in biodegradation is worrying, as in the meantime, this waste is severely affecting marine flora and fauna. Organizations like Ocean Conservancy have collected millions of tons of waste in beach clean-up campaigns, demonstrating the scale of the problem.
How does plastic get to the sea
Plastic pollution in the oceans begins from the moment we throw away plastic products. Of the approximately 260 million tons of plastic we litter the world each year, only 12% is recycled. The rest, including plastic waste from poorly managed landfills, ends up incinerated or dispersed in natural areas, mainly due to the action of wind and water.
Rivers are one of the most important routes through which plastic reaches the ocean. It is estimated that rivers carry between 1.1 and 2.4 million tons of plastic per year. But in addition to rivers, other factors contribute to the problem, such as fishing, maritime traffic and aquaculture.
In the sea, plastic breaks down into tiny pieces due to the action of waves and sunlight. These small fragments are known as microplastics , particles smaller than 5 mm that float in ocean currents.
One of the largest accumulations of plastic in the ocean is the North Pacific Ocean , where plastic waste forms a large floating patch covering 1.6 million square kilometers.
How much plastic is thrown into the sea?
Currently, it is estimated that the seas receive around 13 million tons of plastic each year , equivalent to dumping a garbage truck into the oceans every minute. According to various projections, if immediate action is not taken to curb this pollution, that figure could rise to 17.5 million tons annually by 2025.
Asian countries such as China, the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam have been found to be responsible for a significant portion of these plastic dumps.
Consequences of plastic pollution in the oceans
The accumulation of plastic in the sea causes numerous negative impacts on marine ecosystems. Among the most worrying consequences is the death of more than a million marine animals each year , many of them due to ingesting plastic after mistaking it for food.
Furthermore, plastic degrades slowly, releasing toxic chemicals that affect both wildlife and humans. Microplastics have been found in the food chain through table salt and various seafood products we consume.
How can we reduce plastic pollution in the oceans?
Reducing the use of plastics is crucial to stopping the spread of this problem. Here are some simple practices that can help reduce plastic pollution:
- Do not use single-use plastics, such as disposable straws and cutlery.
- Use cloth bags or hand carts instead of plastic bags.
- Buy foods in bulk and avoid excessively packaged products.
- Recycle and reuse plastic containers whenever possible.
Even though the situation may seem overwhelming, it is possible to improve the condition of our oceans if every person and country adopts more sustainable measures. Education is only the first step: we need concrete and responsible solutions to stop the invasion of plastic in our seas before its effects become irreversible.