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Microplastics posing threat to Marine Life |
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Microplastics are found in high concentrations in shallow coastal areas of the UAE posing risk for marine creatures. Microbeads, for example, are found in high concentrations in everything from toothpaste, laundry detergent and personal care products and are washed down the drain, ending up in water environments. Small fish prefer to eat the plastic and gorge themselves on tiny plastic pieces smaller than five millimetres resulting in changed behaviours and stunted growth which lead to greatly increased mortality rates. Divers in the UAE confirm that plastics witnessed in recent dives in local waters pose deadly hazards for fish and sea turtles that ingest the pollution believing the debris to be food. It is estimated that eight million metric tonnes of plastic are entering the world?s oceans annually. 275 million metric tonnes (MT) of plastic waste were generated in 192 coastal countries in 2010, with 4.8 to 12.7 million MT entering the ocean. Samir Ali, master scuba diver training with Al Boom Diving in Dubai, said from Jumeirah offices in Dubai that plastic debris is readily evident floating in the water and on the seabed in Gulf waters off Fujairah.If you dive near the shore, you can find lots of plastic.During underwater clean-ups, one can find plastic water bottles, aluminium cans, plastic grocery bags and shards of plastic in a multitude of different colours on the bottom. Marine biologist said that fish reared in different concentrations of microplastic particles have reduced hatching rates and display abnormal behaviours. The microplastic particle levels tested in the current study are similar to what is found in many coastal habitats in Sweden and elsewhere in the world today. Scientists have now been able to show that development of fish is threatened by microplastic pollution. At a recent Federal National Council meeting, it was noted in session that the UAE uses 11 billion plastic bags annually despite ambitious measures by Dubai Municipality and the federal government to slash consumption on a top priority which is a matter of serious concern for the residents of the UAE.
Source:www.gulfnews.com |
 
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11 Comments
I am SO glad you shared this because I dont think there's enough awareness regarding this issue in Bangladesh. Many people don't realise that microbeads pose a bigger threat than larger plastic waste which can be extracted to some extent. Ever since I read an article on this last year, I have stopped using scrubs which contain microplastics and told my friends to remove them for their beauty regimen. Thank god they're banned now :(
Posted 23-07-2016 05:50
Thanks @Humaid.
Posted 17-07-2016 22:28
Thank you @Heonjun.
Posted 17-07-2016 22:27
Micro plastics are a constant threat to the marine species. More awareness needs to be conducted regarding this serious issue. The release of them into water bodies should be controlled. Lets hope governments start taking action on this serious issue.
Thanks for the informative report
Posted 17-07-2016 03:49
More and more countries and states should be a part of this banning movement. Moreover, what is really serious and makes things worse is that people are not informed of the damage the products they use daily can inflict to the marine life. If they were, the market trend would have changed. THanks for writing!
Posted 16-07-2016 21:18
@Minjoo as you said is true, its really hard to separate these microplastics that is mainly found in cosmetics and personal care products which rinse down the drain along with water and enter the environment.The industries should take voluntary measures to avoid using it in their products and introduce more sustainable and consumption patterns.Authorities should ban such type of products in the market. Common people like us could avoid wearing make ups , using shower gels, lotions, deodorants ,sunscreens, and everything that contain mocroplastics beads.
Posted 13-07-2016 16:35
Thank yo @Arushi,@Joshua and @John for finding it informative in raising awareness.
Posted 13-07-2016 16:18
Mohit, I have also heard this sad news that microplastics is threatening the ocean habitat. What is more serious is that it is very hard to detect these microplastic, thus making it hard to prevent these animals from shallowing it. I hope there be solutions regarding this issue. Thanks for sharing and have a great day!
Posted 12-07-2016 22:37
Very informative article
Posted 11-07-2016 19:52
For so long, plastics have been publicized as agents of aquatic and terrestrial pollution. Lets us act on it and protect nature as Eco-warriors. Thank you for the report.
Posted 11-07-2016 18:47
It is indeed true that plastics are a serious threat to marine population (apart from environment). We all need to co-operate with Municipalities and stop using plastics or at least minimise the use and discard/recycle them properly. Plastic or any such debris should NOT be thrown in water bodies like ocean/seas. Thanks for the report.
Posted 11-07-2016 18:10