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Human Impact on the Environment (Plastic Pollution (Examples of Plastic…
Human Impact on the Environment
Plastic Pollution
Where does it go?
household/industrial rubbish
streets
river
ends up in the ocean by getting washed away
due to the ocean currents, plastic rubbish gets stuck in gyres
washes up on shores
when plastic washes up on the shore it pollutes the beaches and makes them look bad
this results in less tourism which means less money for the country/city.
gets consumed by marine animals and seabirds
more than 44% of seabirds consume plastic. as a result of this 1 million seabirds die each year
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around 267 marine species swallow plastic bags mistaking them for jellyfish. around 100,000 marine mammals die a year
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ends up floating in the ocean
recycled
expensive
landfills
plastic rubbish in landfills is usually recycled
plastic rubbish in landfills is also burned at times
illegal in some countries
the residiue is heavy, immovable, melted plastic which is difficult to dispose of
burning plastic releases harmful and dangerous toxins into the environment that is very harmful for humans, plants and animals
expensive
Examples of Plastic
containers
ghost nets
What are Ghost Nets?
Ghost nets are nylon or plastic fishing nets that have been abandoned/discarded in the ocean either purposely or accidentally.
Up to 10% of marine debris is made up of ghost nets
Why are Ghost Nets a problem?
They pose a threat to marine creatures as these creatures can get tangled in these nets very easily. Once tangled they are prevented from swimming and breeding and ultimately they die.
These nets can drag across reefs or scrape along the seabed which can cause damage.
They are non-biodegradable and take up to 600 years to degrade.
What is being done to reduce the impact of Ghost Gear?
bottles
wrappers
straws