Plastic pollution is a widespread problem present everywhere, including the marine environment. The most visible impacts of plastic debris are the ingestion, suffocation and entanglement of hundreds of marine species. Marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fish and turtles mistake plastic waste for prey. And most of them then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic. They also suffer from lacerations, infections, reduced ability to swim, and internal injuries. Floating plastics also help transport invasive marine species, thereby threatening marine biodiversity and the food web.
Affect On Humans
Toxic contaminants also accumulate on the surface of plastic as a result of prolonged exposure to seawater. So when marine organisms ingest plastic debris, these contaminants enter their digestive systems, and over time accumulate in the food web. And humans are a part of this food chain. The transfer of contaminants between marine species and humans through consumption of seafood has been identified as a health hazard, and research is ongoing.
Human Interference
These plastic pollution are caused by humans, whether it is the preference of plastic water bottles over metal water bottles, or using plastic bags to carry grocery back home. By these mistakes of us humans, many species's lives were affected. And each year, morality rate of their species increase, throwing their species in the list of endangered animals.