Tag Archives: Microplastics

Enviro groups point to chemical pollution, not overfishing, as main cause of fishery decline

According to the report “Aquatic Pollutants in Oceans and Fisheries,” chemical pollution is the bigger culprit since it “compromises reproduction, development, and immune systems among aquatic and marine organisms”. The report said that “overfishing is not the sole cause of fishery declines,” and that pollutants including industrial chemicals, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, heavy metals, plastics and microplastics “have deleterious impacts to aquatic ecosystems at all trophic levels from plankton to whales.” >click to read< 12:01 – Waste Water Treatment PlantsMussels off the coast of Seattle test positive for opioidsOnce home to thriving (natural) aquaculture, Great Bay is under great strainScientists concerned over health of fish species as wastewater treatment plants fail to remove drugs, and more, >click here<

Microplastic Pollution: Study points at ship antifouling coatings as a significant source

In a new study, a team of environmental chemists found indications that ships may be leaving behind a trail of plastic particles in their wake. “Our hypothesis is that ships leave a kind of ‘skid mark’ in the water which is of similar significance as a source of microplastics as tire wear particles from cars are on land,”,,, The common consumer packaging plastics were seen near the coastline. However, in the open North Sea and the Elbe Estuary, particularly along the main shipping lanes, the composition differed. These plastics are not commonly used in packaging materials and likely came from a different source. “We believe that these particles originate from ship coatings,,,, >click to read< 13:11

Scientists Eye New Threat to Gulf of Maine Ecosystem: Microplastics.. New?

An estimated 280 million tons of plastic is produced globally every year. Most of it is not recycled, which means it ends up either in landfills – or in the ocean. continued@mpbn