Decomposition of Plastic
The impacts of plastic pollution.
The negative impacts of microplastic contamination on our natural world continue to mount with each passing day. Unlike organic materials that decompose differently over time plastics persist within environments indefinitely leading directly or indirectly towards harm inflicted upon ocean ecosystems & its associated wildlife species; particularly those unable keep up with such pollution influxes such as corals & sea turtles etcetera. When exposed to sunlight, heat, and oxygen, it can break down into smaller pieces, a process known as photodegradation. These smaller pieces are known as microplastics. Microplastics can be ingested by animals, which can lead to health problems and even death.
They can also enter the food chain, as animals that eat microplastics are eaten by larger animals, including humans. Plastic products have a recycling arrow logo with a number inside. The number indicates what type of plastic the product is made from. The lower the number the more recyclable it is. Statistics about plastic pollution: “Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from coastal nations. That’s the equivalent of setting five garbage bags full of trash on every foot of coastline around the world.”11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean to pollute it. Understanding the process of plastic decomposition is important for reducing plastic waste and keep our planet cleaner!
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