| How Microplastics develop in water |
Since the beginning of the global production and development of a plastic world, the percentage of production each year continues to grow greatly. Simultaneously, the amount of plastics and other artificial materials such as Styrofoam, are improperly discarded at an increasing rate into the native environment. Society has become undeniably reliant and dependent on materials often manufactured for one use only. Without the ability to naturally decompose, the breakdown process is like breaking off little tiny pieces of the substance, then breaking off little tiny pieces from that product and so on. This is called secondary microplastics.
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Global plastic production from 1950 to 2016 (in million metric tons)
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| Trash clutters the shoreline |
The article 'When
the mermaids cry: The great plastic tide' by Claire Le Guern addresses how
truly toxic plastic is due to its own inherent properties. Properties
including, buoyancy, durability and propensity to absorb waterborne pollutants
create an incredibly long breakdown. The process of fragmentation into
microscopic pieces leaves the sea water contaminated with toxic Bisphenol A
(BPA) and other toxins. The disintegration of plastic is gradual. A combination
of physical, biological and chemical processes can weaken the debris structure.
Typically ensuing a fragmentation of the once whole product. Artificial
materials and plastic products are seemingly convenient for humans, but in the
long run outlive us with decomposition rates of 500+ years and leave a toxic
impact on the environment.
Works Cited
“Global Plastic Production.” Statista, www.statista.com/statistics/282732/global-production-of-plastics-since-1950/.
Le Guern, Claire. “Plastic Pollution.” Coastal Issues / Coastal Care, 2018, coastalcare.org/2009/11/plastic-pollution/.
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