7 Dangerous Impacts of Plastic Waste in the Ocean on Life
Indonesia is still the second largest producer of waste in the world. This is not only a concern for the country but also for the international community. Many parties are trying to reduce waste production in Indonesia, especially plastic waste. As an archipelagic country surrounded by oceans, plastic waste is very dangerous.
The impact of plastic waste in the ocean is an issue that can disrupt ecological, ecotoxicological, and economic balance in both the short and long term. Therefore, efforts are needed to reduce its risks. Let's be aware of the 7 dangerous impacts of plastic waste in the ocean on life.
1. Marine Animals Contaminated by Waste
Like other animals, fish and other marine creatures rely on instinct to eat. If a lot of plastic waste ends up in the ocean, pieces of plastic can be ingested. Plastic cannot be digested and accumulates in their bodies. Moreover, the chemical content of plastic is also harmful to marine fish.
Then, what happens when marine fish are eaten by humans? Plastic can accidentally be ingested and cannot be digested by the body. The danger is not only that it can threaten the marine fish ecosystem but also disrupt the food chain.
2. Microplastic Pollution in Water and Soil
Friends, did you know that bottled mineral water is not necessarily free from microplastic contamination? Imagine if seawater contaminated with plastic evaporates into rainwater, then returns to the ground. This not only damages soil nutrients but also makes groundwater for households contain chemical materials, making it dangerous to drink.
3. Species Invasion from Rivers to the Sea
Plastic waste polluting rivers will also impact the ocean. Freshwater fish that are uncomfortable in rivers will continue to navigate the waters until they reach the sea. This will change the marine ecosystem with the presence of new species. The problem will worsen because not all fish that can live in freshwater can also survive in the sea.
4. Endangering Fishermen
Plastic materials are made from flexible and sturdy substances. The raw materials used can pollute the waters and even become a sea of waste. This can cause fishing boats to get stuck while sailing. It may seem excessive, but plastic materials take hundreds of years to decompose. Unbeknownst to us, millions of tons of plastic waste have already accumulated on the ocean floor.
5. Disrupting Tourism Appeal
No one can deny that waste is unsightly. Plastic waste in Indonesia is still rarely sorted by type. This causes unpleasant odors because plastic waste mixes with organic waste. Imagine if tourists visit; certainly, the area becomes uncomfortable to visit again.
6. Incurring High Costs
When waste becomes a serious problem, its management must be done properly. In reality, waste processing is not only difficult but also requires significant costs. Therefore, it is better to start reducing plastic waste and processing it independently in the smallest environment. Start with habits that can be done individually.
7. Natural Disasters
The environment will not only be contaminated by pollution from water, soil, or air due to chemical materials in plastics. However, the dangers of floods, landslides, and other natural disasters can also be triggered by plastic waste. Beaches are increasingly eroded, making the land contour unstable and potentially triggering more dangerous natural disasters.
The impact of plastic waste in the ocean can occur not only in the long term. Waste problems that have existed for decades may have already had a negative impact on nature and life. So, be aware of the dangers of plastic waste by reducing plastic consumption and managing waste, okay!
Author: Rizkita Darajat
