Plastic pollution is a growing global issue, with Asia often becoming a dumping ground for waste from Europe and America. Microplastics—tiny fragments from larger plastics—are especially concerning.
These particles are now found in oceans and on beaches worldwide, even contaminating Europe’s most pristine waters. Carried by currents, they infiltrate food chains, posing risks to marine life and coastal communities.
One industry feeling the impact is mussel farming. Studies reveal microplastics can halve mussels’ filtration rates and disrupt their biology, with potential knock-on effects for seafood industries and local economies.
The ecological fallout extends to primary producers like microalgae, which play a crucial role in oxygen production. Disrupting these microscopic organisms could tip the balance of our planet’s life support systems.
With microplastics multiplying every day, experts warn this silent crisis demands urgent, coordinated global action to curb plastic waste and protect our oceans for future generations.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
