Are We Soon Swimming in the Microplastics Soup?

-by Eeva Hammar

 

We use and consume plastics in our everyday life. Since the “plastic revolution” from the days of when plastic was first invented we have learned to use plastics in various ways. When we consume something there would be probably more or less waste as well. The part of this plastic waste unfortunately ends up in the world’s oceans. This same problem is here in the Baltic Sea too. Marine litter, especially plastics, are a growing threat to the Baltic Sea.

©Eeva Hammar Small plastic particles found in the boat’s engine filter. The eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, Ulko-Tammio, August 2014.

There are many kinds of marine plastic waste like empty bottles and plastic bags. But there are new – or perhaps not so new – things in the water column, so-called microplastics (or microbeads). Microplastics come from the plastic waste that has been broken down into smaller and smaller pieces over time by mechanical grinding and crushing of rocks and sand along with waves and UV-light. The origin of microplastics can also be from the cosmetic products and fleece clothes, which then enter the sea via sewage water. These tiny little things are a huge problem to solve. Are they entering to the food chain as well? Are we eating soon plastics too?

Some studies indicate that microplastics may transfer within planktonic food web from one trophic level to a higher planktonic level. In these studies many planktonic taxa (mysid shrimps, ciliates, and polychaete larvae) were ingested with microplastic particles.

Plastics may contain several harmful compounds which may be toxic to organisms from the planktonic to the higher trophic levels like seals and marine birds. If these microplastics really do transfer along the food web then the harmful compounds may accumulate at some trophic level.

It’s too late if these microplastics reach the sea. It’s impossible collect them out once they have entered the vast ocean. The most important solution is to prevent them to entering there in the first place. The microplastics (and toxins they may carry) is not only concerning about the environmental status but also do have impacts for instance on human health and economy as well.