Ocean Microplastic

What are microplastics? Its tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters long that result from commercial product development and the breakdown of larger plastics can harm our ocean and aquatic life. 

Microplastics can also impact humans and animals in the sea, such as fishes.

As seen in the image below, microplastics are potentially more dangerous because they can be eaten by fish, harming their internal organs and weakening their immune system.

Pic source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289/full#:~:text=Microplastics%20(MPs)%20are%20regarded%20as,hazard%20that%20requires%20special%20focus

Besides harming fish, it can be seen in the image below that microplastics have a serious impact on humans. Humans eat seafood, and when humans eat microplastics in seafood, it can pose a significant hazard to human health. Such contamination of microplastics in the intestinal system can pose a serious risk of spreading to other body areas.

Pic source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289/full#:~:text=Microplastics%20(MPs)%20are%20regarded%20as,hazard%20that%20requires%20special%20focus

One example of a disease caused by consuming microplastics in humans is cancer. It can happen because plastic has a type of chemical called Styrene. Besides that, there is also polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB). When it accidentally enters and accumulates in the body, it can cause various dangerous health problems.

That briefly explains what microplastics are and their effects on humans and ocean animals such as fish. Because it can have a harmful impact, let's protect our oceans from waste, especially plastic waste!

References:

Bhuyan, M. S. (2022, March 16). Effects of microplastics on fish and in human health. Frontiers. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2022.827289/full#:~:text=Microplastics%20(MPs)%20are%20regarded%20as,hazard%20that%20requires%20special%20focus.

National Ocean Service. (2016, April 13). What are microplastics? NOAA's National Ocean Service. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html

Redaksi DokterSehat. (2022, August 9). 6 Bahaya Mikroplastik bagi Tubuh Dan cara mencegahnya! DokterSehat. Retrieved August 24, 2022, from https://doktersehat.com/informasi/kesehatan-umum/waspada-bahaya-mikroplastik-bagi-tubuh-dan-cara-mencegahnya/ 

Yale Sustainability. (2020, December 1). Yale experts explain microplastics. Yale Sustainability. Retrieved August 15, 2022, from https://sustainability.yale.edu/explainers/yale-experts-explain-microplastics