Hello friends Summarized! Do you often use plastic in your daily life? If so, do you know what happens if plastic waste is allowed to accumulate in the environment? Don’t take it for granted, OK? Plastic waste can cause various negative impacts on the environment and human health. Come on, see the full review in this article.
Plastic Waste Left To Pile Up? This Impact Happens
Negative Impact on the Environment
Plastic waste is difficult to decompose
One of the main impacts of plastic waste is that it is difficult to decompose . Unlike the types of organic waste that can be decomposed naturally by microorganisms, plastic waste takes a very long time to decompose. In fact, it can reach 20–500 years .
During the decomposition process, plastic waste will emit microplastic particles, chemical compounds, and heavy metals which are more dangerous and toxic. These particles can enter the water, soil, air, and the food chain.
Plastic Waste Threatens the Conservation of Marine Animals
The next impact of plastic waste is threatening the preservation of marine animals. A lot of plastic waste is dumped carelessly into the sea or rivers. This garbage can clog waterways, disrupt the flow of oxygen, and damage the habitat of living things in it.
Not only that, plastic waste can also be a danger to marine animals who accidentally ingest it. For example, in 2018, a sperm whale was found dead in Indonesian waters with a stomach full of 6 kg of plastic waste.
Plastic Waste Pollutes Groundwater
Plastic waste can also cause groundwater pollution. This happens because plastic carries chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides, which can contaminate water and poison and damage the habitat of living things that live around it.
When consumed by marine animals, this poison can also enter the human body if the marine animals are processed and consumed. In addition, groundwater pollution can also have an impact on the availability of clean water for humans.
Plastic Waste Destroys Soil Ecosystems
The next impact of plastic waste is to damage the soil ecosystem. Microplastic particles, heavy metals, and chemicals resulting from the process of decomposing plastics can enter the soil layer and stick to the plants embedded in it, such as vegetables and fruits.
When vegetables and fruit are consumed by humans, the risk of various types of diseases can increase. Contamination of this plastic waste can also make soil conditions infertile.
Plastic Waste Damaging Food Chains
Another impact of plastic waste is to damage the food chain. This happens because microplastic particles and chemicals from plastic waste can enter living things through contaminated food or drink.
For example, when sea fish eat plankton that has been contaminated with microplastics, these fish will also contain microplastics in their bodies. Then, when humans eat the fish, microplastics will also enter the human body.
Plastic Waste Causes Health Problems For Humans
The most dangerous impact of plastic waste is causing health problems for humans. This happens because exposure to microplastic particles, heavy metals, and chemicals from plastic waste can cause various health problems, such as:
- Indigestion
- Hormonal disorders
- Reproductive disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Nervous disorder
- Cancer
Plastic Waste Causes Air Pollution
The final impact of plastic waste is causing air pollution. This happens because the process of burning plastic waste that is carried out openly can cause air pollution. This is caused by the presence of microplastic particles, heavy metals such as cadmium and lead, as well as polychlorinated biphenyls which are released and pollute the air.
This air pollution can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, headaches, and lung disease. In addition, air pollution can also increase the greenhouse effect and climate change.
Conclusion
From the review above, it can be concluded that plastic waste has a very bad impact on the environment and human health. Therefore, we need to make efforts to reduce the use and indiscriminate disposal of plastic waste.
Some of the ways we can do this are:
- Using environmentally friendly products that do not contain plastic
- Bring your own shopping bag when shopping
- Use a reusable drinking bottle or tumbler
- Sorting plastic waste and sending it to the recycling site
- Educate yourself and others about the dangers of plastic waste
Thus the article about what happens if plastic waste is allowed to accumulate. Hopefully useful and add to your insight. If you have questions or feedback regarding this article, please write them in the comments column below. Thank you for reading the article to the end!
