EFFECT OF PLASTIC POLLUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENT
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- 1-5 Chapters
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- Recommended for : Student Researchers
- NGN 3000
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the study
Plastic pollution has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental issues of the 21st century, with profound impacts on terrestrial and marine ecosystems, human health, and the economy. Over the past decade, the proliferation of plastic waste has accelerated, driven by increasing consumption and inadequate waste management systems. According to Geyer, Jambeck, and Law (2017), global plastic production reached 448 million tonnes in 2015, with only a fraction being recycled, leading to vast quantities accumulating in the environment. This accumulation has been linked to a variety of detrimental effects. For instance, a study by Jambeck et al. (2015) estimated that 8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the oceans annually, causing significant harm to marine life. Marine organisms often ingest or become entangled in plastic debris, resulting in injury or death, as noted by Gall and Thompson (2015). Furthermore, Rochman et al. (2016) highlighted that microplastics, which are tiny plastic particles resulting from the breakdown of larger items, have been found in various marine species consumed by humans, posing potential risks to human health through the food chain.
Land-based plastic pollution also poses serious environmental threats. Plastics in soil can impede plant growth by altering soil properties and blocking water infiltration, as shown in a study by de Souza Machado et al. (2018). Additionally, plastic additives such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) can leach into the soil and water, potentially disrupting endocrine systems in wildlife and humans (Rochester, 2013). The economic impact of plastic pollution is equally significant. According to a report by Beaumont et al. (2019), plastic pollution costs the global economy an estimated $13 billion annually, primarily due to the degradation of marine ecosystems, loss of tourism revenue, and damage to fisheries.
Efforts to mitigate plastic pollution have been met with varying degrees of success. Government policies, such as the European Union’s ban on single-use plastics, aim to reduce plastic waste but face challenges in implementation and enforcement (European Commission, 2018). Community initiatives and non-governmental organizations have also played crucial roles in raising awareness and promoting recycling and sustainable alternatives. However, a study by Sander et al. (2019) suggests that consumer behavior changes are essential for the long-term success of these measures.
Despite these efforts, the pervasive nature of plastic pollution necessitates a multi-faceted approach involving scientific research, policy development, and public engagement. Studies such as those by Law and Thompson (2014) and Ryan (2015) emphasize the need for comprehensive strategies that address the entire lifecycle of plastic products, from production to disposal. Innovative solutions, including biodegradable plastics and improved waste management technologies, offer promising avenues for reducing plastic pollution. However, further research is needed to assess their effectiveness and potential unintended consequences.
1.2 Statement of the problem
Plastic pollution is an escalating environmental crisis with significant ramifications for ecosystems, human health, and the global economy. Over the past few decades, the proliferation of plastic waste has reached alarming levels, with an estimated 8 million metric tons entering the oceans annually, exacerbating marine pollution and threatening biodiversity (Jambeck et al., 2015). The pervasive nature of plastic pollution is evident in its widespread distribution across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine environments, where it persists for centuries due to its non-biodegradable properties (Geyer, Jambeck, & Law, 2017). Plastic debris, ranging from macroplastics to microplastics, poses a multitude of hazards to wildlife, including ingestion, entanglement, and habitat disruption (Gall & Thompson, 2015). For instance, a study by Rochman et al. (2016) highlighted that marine organisms at various trophic levels, from zooplankton to large predators, ingest plastic particles, which can lead to physical harm, reduced feeding, and ultimately death. Moreover, plastics can act as vectors for chemical pollutants, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which adsorb onto plastic surfaces and bioaccumulate in marine food webs, posing significant risks to both wildlife and human health through seafood consumption (Rios, Moore, & Jones, 2007).
The environmental impact of plastic pollution extends beyond the marine realm. In terrestrial ecosystems, plastic waste contributes to soil contamination, affecting soil structure and function, and impairing plant growth and productivity (de Souza Machado et al., 2018). Agricultural lands are particularly vulnerable, as the use of plastic mulch and the disposal of agricultural plastics lead to the accumulation of plastic fragments in the soil, which can affect soil microbial communities and nutrient cycling (Ng, Lwanga, Eldridge, Johnston, & Hu, 2018). Additionally, the mismanagement of plastic waste contributes to the blockage of drainage systems, exacerbating urban flooding and creating breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes, which can lead to outbreaks of diseases like malaria and dengue (Haque et al., 2018).
Economic implications of plastic pollution are profound, impacting tourism, fisheries, and shipping industries. Coastal areas, which are heavily reliant on tourism, suffer from the aesthetic degradation caused by plastic litter on beaches, resulting in economic losses and decreased tourism revenue (Jang et al., 2014). The fishing industry is also affected, as plastic debris damages fishing gear, reduces fish stocks, and contaminates catch with microplastics, leading to financial losses and jeopardizing food security (Wilcox, Van Sebille, & Hardesty, 2015). Furthermore, the maritime industry faces increased costs due to plastic debris causing damage to vessels and infrastructure, and posing navigational hazards (Carson, Colbert, Kaylor, & McDermid, 2011).
Efforts to mitigate plastic pollution have been undertaken at various levels, including international agreements, national policies, and local initiatives. The introduction of bans on single-use plastics, the promotion of recycling and waste management practices, and the development of biodegradable alternatives are some of the strategies employed to address this issue (Xanthos & Walker, 2017). However, the effectiveness of these measures is often limited by inadequate enforcement, insufficient infrastructure, and low public awareness (Vince & Hardesty, 2018). For instance, a study by Lusher, McHugh, and Thompson (2013) found that despite the implementation of plastic bag bans in several countries, the persistence of plastic pollution in marine environments remains high, indicating the need for more comprehensive and integrated approaches.
The research underscores the urgent need for multidisciplinary strategies to tackle plastic pollution, incorporating scientific research, policy development, and public engagement. Advances in understanding the sources, distribution, and impacts of plastic pollution are crucial for informing effective management and mitigation measures (Law, Moret-Ferguson, Goodwin, Zettler, DeForce, & Kukulka, 2014). Additionally, fostering collaboration between governments, industries, and communities is essential for creating sustainable solutions and reducing the environmental footprint of plastics (Gallo, Fossi, Weber, Marsili, & Campana, 2018). The development of innovative technologies for plastic waste reduction, such as biodegradable plastics and advanced recycling methods, also holds promise for mitigating the environmental impact of plastic pollution (Lebreton & Andrady, 2019). Hence, this study seeks to investigate the effect of plastic pollution on the environment.
1.3 Objective of the study
- To assess the impact of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems.
- To evaluate the effect of plastic pollution on marine life and aquatic ecosystems.
- To investigate the human health implications of plastic pollution.
- To analyze the socio-economic consequences of plastic pollution.
1.4 Research Questions
- What are the primary effects of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems?
- How does plastic pollution affect marine life and aquatic ecosystems?
- What are the potential health risks associated with plastic pollution for humans?
- What are the socio-economic impacts of plastic pollution on communities?
1.5 Research hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0): Plastic pollution does not have a significant negative effect on the environment.
Alternative Hypothesis (H1): Plastic pollution does have a significant negative effect on the environment.
1.6 Significance of the study
Environmental Impact Awareness:
This study will enhance the understanding of the adverse effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems. By highlighting the various ways plastics damage habitats, wildlife, and plant life, the research aims to raise public awareness and foster a greater appreciation for the need to protect the environment.
Policy Development and Implementation:
The findings of this research can serve as a critical resource for policymakers. By providing empirical evidence of the environmental impact of plastic pollution, the study can support the development and implementation of more effective regulations and policies aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable alternatives.
Public Health and Safety:
Plastic pollution poses significant risks to human health, primarily through the contamination of water sources and the food chain. This study will investigate these health implications, providing valuable information to health professionals and the general public to mitigate the risks associated with plastic pollutants.
Economic Considerations:
Understanding the economic impact of plastic pollution, such as the costs associated with clean-up efforts, the loss of tourism revenue, and the effects on fisheries, can help in assessing the broader economic implications. This research will provide insights into how reducing plastic pollution can lead to economic benefits.
Sustainable Practices Promotion:
By identifying the main sources and types of plastic pollution, this study will contribute to the promotion of sustainable practices and alternative materials. It will provide guidance for businesses, communities, and individuals on how to reduce plastic use and manage plastic waste more effectively, fostering a culture of sustainability.
1.7 Scope of the study
This study focuses to assess the impact of plastic pollution on terrestrial ecosystems, evaluate the effect of plastic pollution on marine life and aquatic ecosystems, investigate the human health implications of plastic pollution, and analyze the socio-economic consequences of plastic pollution. Hence Environmental Scientists and Ecologists in Lagos State shall serve as enrolled participants for this study.
1.8 Limitation of the study
Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. The significant constraint are:
Time: The researcher encountered time constraint as the researcher had to carry out this research along side other academic activities such as attending lectures and other educational activities required of her.
Finance: The researcher incurred more financial expenses in carrying out this study such as typesetting, printing, sourcing for relevant materials, literature, or information and in the data collection process.
Availability of Materials: The researcher encountered challenges in sourcing for literature in this study. The scarcity of literature on the subject due to the nature of the discourse was a limitation to this study.
1.9 Definition of terms
Plastic Pollution:
Refers to the accumulation of plastic objects and particles (e.g., plastic bottles, bags, microbeads) in the Earth's environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat, and humans. This includes plastics that are not biodegradable and thus persist in the environment for long periods.
Ecosystem:
A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment. Ecosystems can be as large as a desert or as small as a pond, and they include both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components.
Microplastics:
Small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long, which can be harmful to our oceans and aquatic life. Microplastics are created from the breakdown of larger plastic debris and can be found in a variety of consumer products, such as cosmetics and clothing.
Biodegradation:
The breakdown of organic substances by natural means, such as by microorganisms like bacteria and fungi. In the context of plastic pollution, biodegradation refers to the ability (or lack thereof) of plastic materials to be decomposed by biological processes.
Sustainability:
The practice of maintaining processes in a way that does not deplete the natural resources or harm the environment, ensuring that future generations can meet their needs. In the context of this study, sustainability focuses on reducing plastic use, improving waste management, and finding alternatives to plastic products.
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