Muscat: Recent scientific studies have warned of a silent environmental disaster in the form of the accumulation of microplastics around the world, from oceans to soil and even air. This ticking time bomb poses a serious threat to all forms of life, including humans.
These tiny particles pose a significant threat to living organisms. Animals and plants ingest them, and they move through the food chain, eventually reaching humans. The full extent of the health risks posed by this is still unknown.
Chams Boujrada, a young researcher interested in science and environmental issues for many years, said "Our environment has been affected by many problems that are rooted in human activities and behaviours. Perhaps the latest of these is the problem of the accumulation of small plastic particles known as microplastics."
Microplastics have been found to pollute many environments, including almost all marine ecosystems.
She added studies have confirmed that the danger of microplastics in marine ecosystems is not limited to their ability to enter food chains and accumulate in them or transport toxic chemicals due to their association with them. They can also change the composition of coastal areas, which negatively affects the species that depend on them.
Boujrada said, "Sea turtles are an excellent example of an affected species. During nesting, sea turtles reach sandy beaches to lay their eggs. The temperature of the nesting sand during egg incubation determines the sex of the turtle offspring. However, microplastic particles can affect the sand temperature, causing it to rise, especially if these particles are dark in colour. As a result, the sex ratio of turtles becomes unbalanced.”
In addition, when microplastics come into direct contact with eggs, harmful chemical pollutants that they absorb can seep into the eggs, which can affect fetal growth and reduce the reproductive success of nests (i.e., hatching success).
"Studies indicate that a 1 per cent increase in microplastics increases the temperature by 0.017 degrees Celsius. This may seem like a small increase, but it is significant for species like sea turtles that are sensitive to the slightest difference in temperature," Boujrada said.
The causes of the microplastic pollution problem differ depending on the type of microplastic: primary and secondary.
Primary microplastics are intentionally manufactured and added to various products for industrial and commercial purposes. These materials can easily end up in the environment through sewage and water treatment systems due to their small size. Examples include microbeads found in some cosmetics and personal care products, such as some detergents and toothpaste.
Microfibers used in textiles and clothing and fishing tools - nets and ropes - known as microfibers are another example of primary microplastics. These fibers break down (or shed) and end up in the environment mainly through wastewater discharged by household and industrial washing machines, either during production, use, or maintenance.
Secondary microplastics, on the other hand, are larger plastics (such as plastic bags and bottles) that break down into microplastics under the influence of environmental conditions such as waves, currents, and sunlight.
Boujrada explained many marine organisms have been found to contain microplastics within their bodies. In addition, traces of microplastics have been detected in our blood vessels, which is a cause for concern, especially since these materials contain toxic chemicals that can have negative effects on our organs and immune systems and interfere with the hormones secreted by our body's glands.
SOLUTIONS
It is clear from that our daily use of primary and secondary microplastics is part of the large-scale pollution that occurs and its resulting effects on the environment and living organisms. Therefore, individuals can change their habits and help the environment.
Boujrada said in addition to buying clothes made from natural fibers (such as cotton, linen, and wool), people can adopt proper ways to handle textiles that contain plastic. "For example, in the washing process, less friction means fewer microfibers. Therefore, it is recommended to fill washing machines and set them to spin at a low number of cycles during the drying stage," she said.
This type of clothing should be washed less frequently, for a shorter time, and at cold temperature settings. There are some products (such as washing bags and Cora balls) and filters that can be used to capture microfibers during the washing process.
She said Microplastic pollution can also be reduced by purchasing sustainable health and beauty products made from natural alternatives or making them yourself.
Single-use plastics can be replaced with reusable materials made from metal, glass, and other materials.
Boujrada emphasises raising public awareness of the microplastic pollution problem is essential.
By increasing awareness, people will act more responsibly towards the environment and we can create sustainable families.
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