Overview of the biological effects of lost and discarded plastic debris in the marine environment
Laist, D.W. (1987). Overview of the biological effects of lost and discarded plastic debris in the marine environment. Mar. Pollut. Bull. 18(6): 319-326
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin. Macmillan: London. ISSN 0025-326X; e-ISSN 1879-3363, more
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| Keywords |
Accidents > Marine accidents > Drowning
Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms
Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Aquatic birds > Marine birds
Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Aquatic mammals > Marine mammals
Aquatic organisms > Marine organisms > Fish > Marine fish
Environments > Aquatic environment > Marine environment
Ingestion
Materials > Plastics
Pollution > Water pollution > Marine pollution
Pollution effects
Marine/Coastal |
| Abstract |
In the past 30 years, the use of plastics and other synthetic materials has expanded at a rapid pace. The accumulating debris poses increasingly significant threats to marine mammals, seabirds, turtles, fish, and crustaceans. The threats are straightforward and primarily mechanical. Individual animals may become entangled in loops or openings of floating or submerged debris or they may ingest plastic materials. Animals that become entangled may drown, have their ability to catch food or avoid predators impaired, or incur wounds from abrasive or cutting action of attached debris. Ingested plastics may block digestive tracts, damage stomach linings, or lessen feeding drives. Developing information suggests that the mechanical effects of these materials affect many marine species in many ocean areas, and that these effects justify recognition of persistent plastic debris as a major form of ocean pollution. |
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