Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

The subject of plastic pollution in the ocean is a growing field since the realization of the significant damage experienced as a result of so many synthetic polymers being disposed of in the water bodies. Human activities have been a fundamental contributor in facilitating plastic pollution in water bodies. Research has proved that both micro and macroplastic components find their way into the ocean affecting the micro and macro marine organisms. It is then arguable that human activities have directly and indirectly reduced the life span of aquatic and non-aquatic organisms through careless disposal of a synthetic polymer.

The disposal of synthetic polymer materials in water bodies have been enhanced by inadequate mechanisms of waste disposal. Factories and industries consider themselves to have a better strategy for disposing of treated wastes in water bodies. However, the chemical used for treatment have a substantial quantity of microplastic components that are toxic when ingested by marine organisms.The different human activities that cause plastic pollution are reported to cause deaths of marine organisms. Additionally, research shows that their increase in quantity is likely to provide a vector for alien species threatening marine biodiversity. It also endangers the marine ecosystem through the accumulation of plastic debris on the sea floor. Moreover, accumulation of such substances inhibit gas exchange between the overlying waters and the pore waters of the sediments. All the effects clearly have death as the result. Therefore, a solution needs to be considered fast to avoid extensive harm likely to be incurred through plastic pollution.

To handle the situation, human activities such as waste disposal and manufacture of products need to consider the use of non-polymer components to avoid their effect in marine life. Additionally, waste treatment techniques need to consider having little or no percentage of synthetic polymer elements in the reagents to avoid ejecting macro and micro plastic wastes in the ocean. The argument thesis herein corroborates with the work of Moore (2008) and Derraik (2002) who agree that plastic debris in the oceans is a facilitation of human activities. The authors further point out the reduction of the amount of synthetic polymer being disposed of in the water bodies. However, the debate is contradictive to scholars who consider humans for not being the core facilitators of synthetic polymer disposal in oceans.

In conclusion, the argument on human activities directly and indirectly reducing the life span of both aquatic and non-aquatic organisms holds water. People carry out manufacturing and waste disposal practices that enhance death of marine organisms. Making the marine ecosystem unbearable for aquatic life. It is then necessary for human practices to reduce the amount of synthetic polymer used in the manufacture of products and waste treatment reagents.