How to save our oceans and our health
In a world increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of human activities, one of the most insidious pollutants is one we cannot even see: nano-plastics. Each year, approximately 8 million tonnes of plastic end up in our oceans. Much of this degrades into micro and nano-plastics: tiny particles now found in the air we breathe, the food we eat, and even our bodies. Recent studies have shown that not only have plastics infiltrated the ocean depths and other remote regions, but nano-plastics have even penetrated human brain tissue, raising serious concerns about the far-reaching consequences of this pervasive pollution. As we stand at a critical juncture in the Anthropocene, the era when human activities dominate the planet’s ecosystems, addressing the micro and nano-plastic crisis is not just an environmental imperative but also a public health priority.
The ‘Great Acceleration’ and the rise of plastic pollution
The recent discovery of microplastics in human tissues, including the brain, underscores the gravity of the situation.
The roots of our current predicament can be traced back to the ‘Great Acceleration’, a period following World War II marked by rapid industrialisation, population growth, and an unprecedented increase in the use of natural resources. This era has seen humanity become a geophysical force, altering Earth’s biogeochemical cycles, and reshaping the planet’s surface. One of the most significant and problematic by-products of this period is plastic, a material celebrated for its versatility and durability but now recognised as a persistent pollutant.
Since the introduction of the first synthetic polymer, Bakelite, in 1907, plastic production has skyrocketed, with global outputs reaching a staggering 400.3 million metric tons in 2022. Despite the benefits of plastic in various sectors, such as healthcare, food preservation, and technology, the dark side of plastic has become increasingly apparent. The material’s resistance to degradation means that once it enters the environment, it remains there for centuries, breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces—eventually becoming microplastics and nano-plastics.
Microplastics: A global environmental catastrophe
Microplastics, defined as plastic fragments smaller than 5mm, and even smaller nano-plastics (fragments less than 1 micron), have been found in every corner of the globe, from the depths of the Mariana Trench to the ice of polar regions. These tiny particles are not just a by-product of plastic waste but are also deliberately manufactured for use in products like cosmetics and cleaning agents. Once in the environment, micro and nano-plastics are nearly impossible to remove, and their impact is profound.
Impact on human health
The recent discovery of microplastics in human tissues, including the brain, blood, and even placentas, underscores the gravity of the situation. These particles can function as vectors for toxic chemicals, including heavy metals and endocrine disruptors, which can amplify their harmful effects. Studies suggest that microplastics can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, and can disrupt hormonal systems, posing a serious risk to human health. A recent estimate adds that through our food we are eating a quantity of plastic equivalent to one credit card per month.
The challenge of plastic recovery
The challenge of addressing plastic pollution is twofold: we must significantly reduce the amount of plastic entering the environment and develop effective strategies to recover the plastic that has already been dispersed. Achieving these goals is a complex and costly endeavour, but the alternative, continuing on our current path, is unsustainable.
Reducing plastic leakage
Reducing plastic leakage into the environment requires a multifaceted approach. On the one hand, it involves improving waste management practices globally, particularly in regions with inadequate infrastructure. This includes promoting recycling, developing alternatives to single-use plastics, and encouraging industries to adopt circular economy principles, where products are designed to be reused or repurposed rather than discarded.
The road to recovery
Recovering plastic that has already entered the environment presents a significant logistical challenge. Plastic debris in the ocean is often dispersed over vast areas, making it difficult and expensive to retrieve. Large accumulations of plastic, such as the infamous rubbish patches in the centres of oceanic gyres, are not solid masses but rather diffuse, low-density fields of debris spread over thousands of square kilometres.
To maximise the efficiency of recovery efforts, one promising strategy is to focus on natural sinks where plastic is concentrated by environmental factors such as rivers, ocean currents, and winds. These include river deltas, canyon heads, and deep-sea dune fields, where plastic debris accumulates and can, perhaps, be more easily collected. However, even these approaches are not without challenges, as the logistics of operating in such environments are complex and costly.
Unlike natural rivers that flow in one direction, from mountains to the ocean, ‘plastic rivers’ refer to the flow of plastic products, such as bottled water, as they are manufactured, transported, and consumed across vast distances. These can move in any direction based on human activity. For example, bottled water is often transported hundreds of miles across a country, sometimes even ending up near natural springs. This inefficient process increases costs for the public and harms the environment.
Looking ahead
As we grapple with the microplastic crisis, it is clear that incremental changes will not suffice. We need a radical rethinking of how we produce, use, and dispose of plastic. Governments, industries, local communities, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing plastic pollution and mitigating its impact on the environment and human health. This will require substantial investment in research and development of new materials and technologies, as well as international cooperation to address the problem on a global scale.
Moreover, the actual cost of plastic pollution – its impact on ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health – must be factored into decision-making processes. The economic costs of clean-up efforts and healthcare are significant, but they pale in comparison to the long-term damage we risk if we fail to act.
Ultimately, the micro and nano-plastic crisis is a stark reminder of the unintended consequences of our reliance on plastic. As we continue to explore its far-reaching impacts, it is imperative that we take decisive action to protect our oceans, our environment, and ourselves from this invisible yet pervasive threat.
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Fabio Trincardi, Technical Advisor to Seas Geosciences, experts in geology, geotechnology, geophysics and subsea engineering. Fabio is a renowned scientist and scholar in geophysics and marine geology, having led the Institute of Marine Science and the Department of Earth Systems Science of CNR (the Italian National Research Council).
