Plastic pollution – Erasmus Maris Project

Plastic pollution is one of the most serious environmental crises of our time, affecting a growing number of wildlife species worldwide and many other things.

Who and what is affected?

Plastic pollution affects wildlife. Plastic accounts for ~80% of marine pollution, alongside an average of 9 million metric tons flowing into the world’s oceans every year. Many marine animals (for example, sea turtles or marine birds) are also seriously affected, due to them getting caught in plastic or accidentally ingesting it.

Plastic pollution not only affects wildlife but also humans. The burning of plastic waste releases toxic chemicals linked to air pollution and long-term health effects, like cancer and reproductive problems. Also, frequent rainfall causes the substances that are released into the air (when plastic is burned) to become more incorporated into the soil.

Plastic pollution also affects parts of the world, more specifically Southeast Asia and West Africa. Regions with high primate species richness are major hotspots for mismanaged plastic waste and the contribution to ocean plastic from land.

Why is there so much plastic pollution?

Land-based plastic pollution carried by rivers is the main source of ocean plastic pollution, with an estimated input of 1,15 to 2,41 million tonnes. Because rivers are a key component in primate distribution and diversity, the plastic pollution carried by rivers can negatively impact ecosystems.

Also, according to the UNEP, tourism is a major contributor to plastic pollution globally. Plastic pollution brought by tourists can accumulate, attract wildlife, and potentially disperse into natural habitats. On top of that, feeding animals as a touristic activity can increase their exposure to plastic, as food packaging may be left behind.

This article is based on: Evelyn D. Anca, and Janette Wallis. Plastic pollution and human–primate interactions: A growing conservation concern. Cambridge Prisms: Plastics, Volume 2, 2024, e10. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/plc.2024.10

Marion Chaucheprat S5DAA, EEB1 / Project: Erasmus Maris