Overview of Used Plastics in Marine Waste

 

Prepared by: Chem. Eng. Neslihan ERGÜN / PAGEV Technical Expert

neslihan.ergun@pagev.org.tr

June 20, 2011, Istanbul

Throwing away plastic is entirely an emotional act and negatively affects the image of plastics. This has also contributed to the perception that plastics are harmful to marine life.

In reality, the plastic waste in our environment is the result of the “throw-away mentality” in society and improper or inadequate waste management procedures.

Most plastics in the marine environment are visible to the naked eye; this is because plastics are lightweight and durable.

There are two potential impacts of marine pollution:

1. Macro pollution: Marine fauna (including sea plants) becomes mixed with waste. Fish and birds may consume plastic particles as food. This creates a potential risk for lethal harm.

2. Micro pollution: Microplastics have two main sources. The first is the degree of macro pollution, and the second comes from washing machines, cosmetics, and textile fibers. Microplastics are hazardous because they can lead to the accumulation and absorption of POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) from the water phase. When microplastics enter the food chain of fish and mussels, POPs and other chemicals can accumulate in the tissues of these organisms.

PAGEV MESSAGES:

• As a foundation, we are concerned with marine pollution.

• Plastics are useful materials that provide resource efficiency, but they are held responsible for their use.

• Marine pollution should not be considered in isolation; however, when evaluated on a product basis, it can be addressed from a holistic perspective.

• Solving marine pollution requires significant changes for institutions, industry, and governments.

• Our foundation will focus on national and international initiatives and collaborate with relevant stakeholders.

• Behavioral change is necessary through educational programs and legal regulations.

• Biodegradable plastics do not solve the marine litter problem.

PlasticsEurope STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES:

• Through participation meetings and potential participation projects, it will work with UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) and European institutes on the Marine Strategy Framework Directive draft.

• Participation will provide information- and data-based facts and publish the real situation.

• It will selectively engage in improvement activities related to plastic-linked marine pollution promoted in educational campaigns.

• It will support educational and prevention programs by collaborating with European or national institutes and other stakeholders.

• It will participate in a coordinated marine litter program to increase global investment levels.

• Sub-projects will be developed with specific tasks, resources, and timelines.

• Dialogue will be sought with NGOs and professional marine organizations to define overall goals and projects.

• Opportunities for research and educational findings from national and European programs will be explored to support activities.