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The plastic paradox in coastal ecosystems

By Jenny Pham posted 17-09-2024 16:25

  

This article is in Chemistry in Australia magazine: Issue September 2024

Author: MD Abu Noman, Tanveer Adyel, Stacey Trevathantackett and Peter Macreadie

Image: G.Go/Adobe

 

Is there an upside to plastic waste accumulating in coastal wetlands?

 

The invention of the polymer in 1907 has had many socioeconomic benefits. Due to its outstanding plasticity, thermal and acoustic properties, durability and low-cost of production, plastic became central to the packaging and construction industries.

 

The production of plastic material has increased from 1.5 million tonnes in 1950 to 400 million tonnes in 2022. During this time, plastics have created environmental and human health risks linked to ever-increasing production and insufficient management. Onequarter of plastic production is mismanaged because of its unintentional release along with a lack of recycling and waste management facilities.

 

Plastic is considered an emerging contaminant of concern, and plastic pollution is one of the major global issues needing to be tackled immediately. By 2050, approximately 32 million tonnes of plastics could be deposited in the ocean each year.

 

When plastics accumulate in the terrestrial environment, they affect the global climate (by emitting greenhouse gases), agricultural productivity as well as human and animal health. When plastics enter the oceans, they increase the mortality of marine animals through entanglement and ingestion, while the photosynthetic efficiency of plant communities is reduced.

 

 

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