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The huge array of animals that live in the world’s oceans and the oceans themselves are both seriously threatened by plastic pollution. Marine life is being impacted by plastic garbage in a variety of ways, including pathogen proliferation, entanglement, and ingestion.

Plastic is actually so widespread that it influences turtle reproductive rates by changing the sand temperature where incubation takes place. The weight of ocean plastics is predicted by scientists to surpass the total weight of all fish in the seas by 2050, hence immediate action is required to address this problem.

Marine Organisms and Plastic Pollution: Negative Effects

Marine life is endangered by plastic in the ocean because it can become entangled or ingested and cause asphyxia, hunger, or drowning. Surprisingly, about 50% of sea turtles have swallowed plastic, which can be lethal, especially for young turtles who float with ocean currents and are less picky eaters.

In addition, pathogen growth in the ocean can be facilitated by plastic waste. A small 4% chance of disease development exists for corals that do not come into contact with plastic, compared to an 89% danger for those who do.

The Amount of Plastic Pollution and How It Affects People

Globally, plastic pollution has an effect on the environment and people’s health as non-biodegradable plastic garbage builds up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, where it can persist for generations. Microplastics, which are minute plastic fragments smaller than 5 mm, have been found in our water, food, and air. They may build up in the body and cause issues with hormones, reproduction, and cancer.

The Need to Address Plastic Pollution Immediately

Fighting the pollution of the oceans requires swift action.

To reduce plastic trash and increase recycling, governments, corporations, and individuals must work together. It is possible to lessen plastic pollution by using reusable things, avoiding disposables, and investigating creative recycling and biodegradable materials.

Since that plastic pollution threatens humans as well as marine life, there is an urgent need to reduce plastic waste and enhance recycling rates. Before it’s too late, action must be taken to reduce plastic pollution because we all have a duty to safeguard the oceans.