Abstract
The consequences of plastic debris in the marine environment were reviewed, and possible solutions were presented. The extent of marine plastic debris-related problems surpasses many other marine problems, as plastics may be transported globally and no unaffected areas seem to exist. Many animal species are in risk, most commonly studied are the effects on marine mammals and seabirds. Marine plastic debris creates new concerns such as entanglement, ghost fishing, and impaction of digestive tracts in animals. It also increases the severity of already existing concerns such as transport, exposure and uptake of organic pollution, with reduced fitness and impaired reproduction and increased mortality rates as consequences. To alleviate the problems, reducing the extent of marine plastic pollution is critical. Possible methods were identified as collecting and incentivizing recycling of marine plastic debris; redirecting production from petroleum plastics to biodegradable varieties; increase public awareness to reduce marine littering; stricter enforcement of current legislation as well as implementation of stricter legislation and harsher penalties for breaking it.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. September 2018, 4(3): 233-241
Highlights
Plastic is one of the most versatile products in the world, and its integration into our everyday lives poses problems
Knowledge is the key to any problem, and this report summarizes the knowledge of problems caused by plastic pollution in the marine environment
The yearly global plastic production is predicted to be slightly reduced in the coming years due to the global economic crisis and high price on oil as well as the increasing environmental awareness of the consumers
Summary
Plastic is one of the most versatile products in the world, and its integration into our everyday lives poses problems. Plastics are easy to manufacture, cheap and durable. This is what made plastic materials popular, but it is the reason to that plastic pollution is a growing concern. As only a minor part of the produced volumes of plastics are recycled, most of it will eventually end up in a landfill or in nature. A large part ends up in the oceans, where it has adverse effects on marine organisms. Knowledge is the key to any problem, and this report summarizes the knowledge of problems caused by plastic pollution in the marine environment
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