Microplastics- a term that loitered over only the environmental studies & scientific thesis in the recent decades, has now turned into a silent assassin of planet earth & a plague for all the species that presently thrive on it. From the bellies of oceans to the secluded wildwood or on a pristine glacier, their presence is inescapable & the repercussions intense. Microplastics, once deemed to have localized effects, have now incremented into a world-wide potential environmental menace.
What is Microplastics?
Microplastics refers to miniature particles (below 5 mm in size), that germinate from a spectrum of sources, i.e. fragmentation of larger plastic materials like plastic bottles, covers, depilation of synthetic fabrics or microbeads from beauty products. In some instances, these tiny particles that are hard to see in naked eyes, further break down into particles having size below 1µm, known as nano-plastics.
Why is it the Silent Assassin?
It is an assassin because it can kill; Silent- because it is stealthy & invisible. Microplastics are invisible to the eye & they permeate into the ecosystem silently, without raising an alarm. In the present age of climate change, microplastics are unfortunately omnipresent and an additional concern for humanity. They have been traced in oceans, rivers, soil & in the air we breathe. Ingested by marine life, it penetrates effectively into the food chain, posing long-term threats both to wildlife & human health. It massively contaminates the soil in terrestrial environments and breaches the nutritional content of plant-based foods. Once released into the environment, these particles have the capability to persist for centuries causing degradation of habitats, chaos in ecosystem, impairment of biological diversity & disruption in agrobiodiversity.
According to a United Nations Publication in 2017, 51 trillion microplastics litter the seas. The publication goes on to state that by 2050, 99% of sea birds will have ingested plastics.
“It is past time that we tackle the plastic problem that blights our oceans. Plastic pollution is surfing onto Indonesian beaches, settling onto the ocean floor at the North Pole, and rising through the food chain onto our dinner tables. We’ve stood by too long as the problem has gotten worse. It must stop.”– Erik Solheim, Head of UN Environment
Source of Microplastics & Journey to Human Body
- Primary Intentional– Source- Disintegrated Plastic Bottles.
- Primary Unintentional- Source- Paints, Waste Paints/Chemicals, Tires.
- Secondary- Source- Synthetic Polymers/Fabrics/Textiles, Packaging, Single Use Plastics.
Exponential Growth in Production of Paints & Tire
Paint:
The Global Paint & Coating Industry is growing impressively with a steady growth trajectory. Nearly 5% of market growth is projected to be realized around 2030. However, there is no definitive precautionary provision to limit the dreadful contribution it has towards microplastic pollution. Research by Earth Action says there is already an increment from 10% to 58% in proportion of microplastic leakage on ocean & water ways between previous & current report.
Tire:
In 2023, the global off-the-road tire market achieved a substantial size, amounting to US$ 30.9 Billion. Projections indicate a promising trajectory, with the market anticipated to expand further. By 2032, it is forecasted to soar to US$ 46.6 Billion, showcasing a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% over the period spanning 2023 to 2032.
However, contribution of tire in microplastic pollution is significant, because it is made of synthetic rubber, made of plastic polymers. As the tire wears down, the tiny tire wear particles, i.e. tire dusts are released into environment.
A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology estimated that tire wear particles account for approximately 28-36% of microplastic pollution in urban environments, particularly in densely populated areas with high levels of vehicular traffic.
Another study conducted by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) estimated that tire wear particles could make up as much as 28% of microplastic pollution in the oceans.
The Increase in production of Plastics:
Global Plastic Production has increased by 200% in a few decades, largely due to very negligible percentage of plastics being recycled. Most of the plastic wastes are discarded into the environment adding to the gradually worsening picture.
The pressing information requiring attention is the discovery of microplastics even in the pristine glaciers, ancient soil strata even in a depth of 25 Feet depth, human placenta, fruits & vegetables. This has a long-term & serious repercussion.
Effects of Microplastics & Nano plastics:
Effects of Microplastics & Nano plastics have a far-reaching impact on the ecosystem and health of various species, especially human health.
Some of the effects of microplastics & Nano plastics are as follows:
- Genetic Alteration in marine & terrestrial species including humans.
- Toxic & Carcinogenic Impacts.
- Detrimental effect on brain development of babies during pregnancy.
- Can Cause Gastro-intestinal disease & Blood related illness.
- Massively impacts the function of liver & kidneys.
- May Cause reproductive toxicity.
- Can trigger Immuno-toxicity & Neurological disorders.
- Causes Suffocation & behavioral changes in marine life.
Solutions:
Solutions entail a multifaceted approach.
- Reduction in the use of plastics.
- Recycling of plastics in use.
- Improved technology in plastic waste management.
- Implementation of measures to reduce shedding of microplastics from clothes during washing.
- Promotion of deep research & development of bio-degradable plastics.
- Addition of microplastics filtration techniques into waste water & water treatment plants, before releasing the treated water into the water bodies.
Amid growing threat of microplastic pollution, the future holds both challenges and opportunities. However, advancements in technology offer promising solutions to fight this global issue. From advanced filtration systems and waste management technologies to the development of biodegradable products and microplastic-capturing measures, researchers and engineers are working continuously to find sustainable alternatives and alleviation strategies. With improved collaboration, investment, and commitment, there is hope that technology-driven innovations will be the key in stemming the tide of microplastic pollution, protecting the health of planet.