The presence of plastic in our oceans is a growing problem that has serious consequences for marine life and ecosystem health. Plastic ends up in the ocean in various ways and causes damage that is difficult to repair.

How plastic ends up in the ocean

Plastic ends up in the ocean in various ways:

  • Rivers and waterways : Rivers are important transport channels for plastic waste that is transported from land to the sea. This can happen due to rain and wind that transport plastic waste from the land to rivers.
  • Waste Management and Landfills: Poor waste management practices and uncontrolled landfills often lead to plastic waste that ends up in the environment. This waste can then end up in waterways and thus reach the ocean.
  • Offshore waste treatment : Ships and boats contribute to plastic pollution by jettisoning waste or accidents where plastic waste ends up in the sea.
  • Storms and floods: Natural disasters such as storms and floods can transport large amounts of plastic waste from land to ocean.
  • Littering and illegal dumping : Beach litter and illegal dumping of marine waste contribute significantly to plastic pollution.
  • Microplastics : Small plastic particles, also known as microplastics, end up in the ocean due to wear and tear on larger plastic objects and by using products such as scrubs and toothpaste that contain microplastics.
  • Industrial waste : Industries sometimes discharge plastic waste and microplastics into water bodies that flow to the ocean.

Image of Ilie Barna via Pixabay

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