Drowning in Plastic: The Devastating Impact of Marine Pollution


Our oceans have billions and billions of plants and animals, but marine pollution is endangering them. Sixty million tons of waste like plastic, oil, chemicals, and sewage are poured into the ocean annually. Among them plastics have been a great concern for marine eco system. 

Plastic comes in different types of shapes and size. Those which have the size less than 5 mm in size are known as microplastics. Due to their small size, microplastics can be easily ingested by marine organisms, entering the food chain and potentially threatening marine ecosystems and human health. 

The production and release of vast amounts of plastic into marine ecosystems is now being recognized as a key potential threat to environmental stability. They enter the ocean through various pathways, often due to human activities and environmental processes.

These tiny particles affect marine organisms at various levels, from microscopic plankton to large marine mammals, disrupting ecosystems and food chains. Like whales, dolphins, and seals can ingest microplastics while feeding, leading to potential internal injury and exposure to toxic chemicals. Microplastics can cause abrasions and blockages in the digestive tracts of marine animals, leading to malnutrition or death.

The ocean is essential to life on Earth. Maintaining it safe means reducing waste, using fewer plastics, and keeping poisonous chemicals from flowing to the ocean. If we maintain the ocean healthy, then it will keep us healthy.

Sanduni Nawaratne
Oceanography Club
Oceanography Department
Ocean University of Sri Lanka

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