As we have already spoken on other occasions, plastic is a great pollutant for our seas and oceans. Millions of tons of plastic are stored in our oceans causing negative impacts on the flora and fauna that live in it.
There are about 12 million tons of plastic waste in the seas. This contamination is not as visible as the rest of the contaminations, but it is a contamination on a global scale. Experts estimate that up to five percent of all plastics produced worldwide end up as garbage in the seas. What happens to these plastics?
Pollution of seas and oceans
Most of the plastics reach the sea through rivers. These wastes are everywhere. Both on the coast and in the water, fish and seabirds suffer from their presence
The biggest problem is microplastics, the smallest particles, which are formed by the abrasion of car tires or contained in cosmetics that are becoming more and more dangerous. Experts speak of around five trillion particles, with a total weight of 270.000 tons, found in the seas. 94% of seabirds found dead on the German shores they have microplastics in their stomachs.
Plastic bags and the problem of emerging countries
For example, in developed countries like Germany, plastic bags have disappeared. However, in emerging economies like Africa, economic growth means more plastics production and therefore more waste.
Although in many countries plastic is less and less used, there is still a lot to work on. People have to be made aware that this is a real problem and that it kills many animals. . Cleaning a single kilometer of coastline costs up to 65.000 euros per year, so it is also costly for governments.