ISSN: XXXX-XXXX

Marine Plastic Pollution: Impacts on Oceanic Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Abstract

Marine plastic pollution is an increasingly serious environmental problem affecting oceanic ecosystems and biodiversity. The study assesses the sources, distribution, and ecological impacts of marine plastic pollution, which include physiological effects on marine organisms, disruption of ecosystem processes, and socioeconomic consequences of biodiversity loss. Using qualitative analysis from literature reviews and case studies, the results show widespread plastic pollution that reaches from the surface waters to the deep sea, with significant implications for ecosystem services such as nutrient cycling and habitat provision. Mitigating strategies include policy interventions, technological advancement, and community engagement in addressing the crisis. This study highlights the need for the development of comprehensive, scalable solutions for the protection of marine biodiversity and sustainable management of oceans.

References

  1. Jambeck, J. R., Geyer, R., Wilcox, C., et al. "Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean." Science, vol. 347, no. 6223, 2015, pp. 768-771. This foundational study quantifies the global contributions of plastic waste to marine environments and highlights the importance of waste management strategies.
  2. Thompson, R. C., Swan, S. H., Moore, C. J., and Vom Saal, F. S. "Plastics, the environment, and human health: Current consensus and future trends." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, vol. 364, no. 1526, 2009, pp. 2153-2166. This paper reviews the environmental and health impacts of plastics, emphasizing microplastics' emerging role in ecosystems.
  3. Galloway, T. S., and Lewis, C. N. "Marine microplastics spell big problems for future generations." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 113, no. 9, 2016, pp. 2331-2333. It explores the physiological and ecological impacts of microplastics on marine organisms and their potential long-term consequences.
  4. Cózar, A., Echevarría, F., González-Gordillo, J. I., et al. "Plastic debris in the open ocean." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 111, no. 28, 2014, pp. 10239-10244. This research maps plastic debris distribution in the oceans, highlighting accumulation zones in gyres.
  5. Rochman, C. M., Hoh, E., Hentschel, B. T., and Kaye, S. "Ingested plastic transfers hazardous chemicals to fish and induces hepatic stress." Scientific Reports, vol. 3, 2013, article 3263. It provides evidence for the transfer of pollutants from ingested plastics to marine organisms.
  6. Ryan, P. G., Moore, C. J., van Franeker, J. A., and Moloney, C. L. "Monitoring the abundance of plastic debris in the marine environment." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, vol. 364, no. 1526, 2009, pp. 1999-2012. This study discusses methods and challenges in tracking plastic pollution globally.
  7. Law, K. L., Morét-Ferguson, S. E., Goodwin, D. S., et al. "Plastic accumulation in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre." Science, vol. 329, no. 5996, 2010, pp. 1185-1188. It quantifies plastic concentrations in ocean gyres and their implications for marine ecosystems.
  8. Lusher, A. L., McHugh, M., and Thompson, R. C. "Occurrence of microplastics in the gastrointestinal tract of pelagic and demersal fish from the English Channel." Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 67, no. 1-2, 2013, pp. 94-99. This paper investigates microplastic ingestion by marine fish and its potential ecological effects.
  9. Eriksen, M., Lebreton, L. C. M., Carson, H. S., et al. "Plastic pollution in the world's oceans: More than 5 trillion plastic pieces weighing over 250,000 tons afloat at sea." PLOS ONE, vol. 9, no. 12, 2014, e111913. This global assessment quantifies the scope and scale of marine plastic pollution.
  10. Wilcox, C., van Sebille, E., and Hardesty, B. D. "Threat of plastic pollution to seabirds is global, pervasive, and increasing." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 112, no. 38, 2015, pp. 11899-11904. This study links plastic pollution to significant threats to seabird populations.
  11. Derraik, J. G. B. "The pollution of the marine environment by plastic debris: A review." Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 44, no. 9, 2002, pp. 842-852. This comprehensive review examines the sources, impacts, and mitigation strategies for marine plastic debris.
  12. Gregory, M. R. "Environmental implications of plastic debris in marine settings: Entanglement, ingestion, smothering, hangers-on, hitch-hiking, and alien invasions." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, vol. 364, no. 1526, 2009, pp. 2013-2025. This study explores the diverse ecological consequences of plastic pollution.
  13. Barnes, D. K. A., Galgani, F., Thompson, R. C., and Barlaz, M. "Accumulation and fragmentation of plastic debris in global environments." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B, vol. 364, no. 1526, 2009, pp. 1985-1998. It discusses the processes of plastic fragmentation and its environmental implications.
  14. Ocean Conservancy. "International coastal cleanup report." Ocean Conservancy Reports, 2020. This annual report compiles global data on marine debris collected during coastal cleanup initiatives.
  15. Thompson, R. C., Olsen, Y., Mitchell, R. P., et al. "Lost at sea: Where is all the plastic?" Science, vol. 304, no. 5672, 2004, pp. 838. This seminal study investigates the fate of marine plastics and highlights the issue of microplastic fragmentation.
Download PDF

How to Cite

Lalit Sharma, (2025-01-07 17:35:54.163). Marine Plastic Pollution: Impacts on Oceanic Ecosystems and Biodiversity. Abhi International Journal of Environment Science, Volume f5B5cOOjLL4Zuntj6UL9, Issue 1.