8 Ways Animals Are Affected By Plastic Pollution
The world's oceans and landscapes are facing an unprecedented threat from plastic pollution. Plastic waste has become a ubiquitous problem, with millions of tons of plastic debris entering the environment every year. One of the most devastating consequences of plastic pollution is its impact on animals. From entanglement and suffocation to ingestion and microplastic consumption, animals are suffering at the hands of human carelessness and neglect.
Entanglement and Suffocation
![Seal trapped in a plastic six-pack ring](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/entanglement-suffocation.png)
One of the most heartbreaking consequences of plastic pollution is entanglement and suffocation. Animals, especially marine animals, can become trapped in plastic debris such as six-pack rings, fishing nets, and plastic bags. This can cause serious injury or even death. For example, a seal trapped in a plastic six-pack ring can suffer from severe lacerations and drowning. Similarly, sea turtles can become entangled in plastic bags and suffocate.
Examples of Entanglement and Suffocation
- A study found that over 100,000 marine mammals are killed every year due to entanglement in plastic debris.
- In 2019, a sperm whale was found dead in Indonesia with 1,000 pieces of plastic in its stomach, including a plastic bag that had caused its suffocation.
Ingestion of Plastic
![Sea turtle eating a plastic bag](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/ingestion-of-plastic.png)
Another major threat to animals is the ingestion of plastic. Animals can mistake plastic debris for food, which can cause blockages, nutrient deficiencies, and even death. For example, sea turtles can mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, one of their favorite foods. Similarly, seabirds can ingest plastic debris, including microplastics, which can cause physical harm and toxic effects.
Examples of Ingestion of Plastic
- A study found that over 90% of seabirds have ingested plastic debris.
- In 2018, a whale was found dead in Thailand with 17 pounds of plastic in its stomach, including plastic bags, fishing nets, and other debris.
Microplastic Consumption
![Fish eating microplastics](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/microplastic-consumption.png)
Microplastics, which are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, are another major threat to animals. Microplastics can be ingested by small animals, including zooplankton and fish, which can cause physical harm and toxic effects. For example, a study found that microplastics can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in fish.
Examples of Microplastic Consumption
- A study found that over 80% of tap water samples from around the world contain microplastics.
- In 2019, a study found that microplastics can be found in the stomachs of over 75% of fish in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Blockages and Obstructions
![Seal with a plastic straw stuck in its nose](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/blockages-and-obstructions.png)
Plastic debris can also cause blockages and obstructions in animals. For example, a seal can get a plastic straw stuck in its nose, which can cause severe pain and distress. Similarly, a fish can ingest a plastic bag, which can cause a blockage in its digestive system.
Examples of Blockages and Obstructions
- A study found that over 50% of marine mammals have ingested plastic debris, which can cause blockages and obstructions.
- In 2018, a seal was found with a plastic straw stuck in its nose, which was successfully removed by a team of veterinarians.
Marine Debris and Habitat Destruction
![Coral reef destroyed by marine debris](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/marine-debris-and-habitat-destruction.png)
Marine debris, including plastic debris, can also cause habitat destruction. For example, coral reefs can be destroyed by marine debris, including plastic bags and fishing nets. This can cause the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem disruption.
Examples of Marine Debris and Habitat Destruction
- A study found that over 70% of marine debris is plastic, which can cause habitat destruction and ecosystem disruption.
- In 2019, a coral reef in the Great Barrier Reef was found to be severely damaged by marine debris, including plastic bags and fishing nets.
Impacts on Human Health
![Human consuming microplastics through seafood](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/impacts-on-human-health.png)
Finally, plastic pollution can also have impacts on human health. For example, microplastics can be ingested by humans through seafood, which can cause physical harm and toxic effects.
Examples of Impacts on Human Health
- A study found that over 90% of bottled water contains microplastics, which can be ingested by humans.
- In 2019, a study found that microplastics can be found in the human gut, which can cause inflammation and oxidative stress.
![Plastic pollution effects on animals](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/plastic-pollution-effects.png)
![Plastic debris and marine life](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/plastic-debris-marine-life.png)
![Microplastics in seafood](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/microplastics-in-seafood.png)
![Plastic bag ban](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/plastic-bag-ban.png)
![Plastic pollution solutions](https://cdn.thezoneshow.com/plastic-pollution-solutions.png)
What is the impact of plastic pollution on animals?
+Plastic pollution can have devastating impacts on animals, including entanglement and suffocation, ingestion of plastic, microplastic consumption, blockages and obstructions, marine debris and habitat destruction, and impacts on human health.
What can we do to reduce plastic pollution?
+We can reduce plastic pollution by using reusable bags and water bottles, avoiding products with microbeads, recycling, and supporting plastic pollution reduction initiatives.
What are the consequences of not addressing plastic pollution?
+If we do not address plastic pollution, it can have severe consequences for animals, ecosystems, and human health, including the loss of biodiversity, ecosystem disruption, and physical harm and toxic effects.
As we have seen, plastic pollution is a major threat to animals, ecosystems, and human health. We must take immediate action to reduce plastic pollution and protect our planet. We can start by making small changes in our daily lives, such as using reusable bags and water bottles, avoiding products with microbeads, and recycling. We must also support plastic pollution reduction initiatives and demand action from our governments and corporations. Together, we can make a difference and create a more sustainable future for all.