2.1 Impact of SUP on marine ecosystems:
One of the major impacts of SUP on marine ecosystems is the ingestion of plastic [6]. When exposed to the sun’s UV rays, wind, currents, and natural processes, plastic breaks down into microplastics (particles smaller than 5 mm) or even nanoplastics (particles smaller than 100 nm). These tiny particles closely resemble plankton or other small organisms that marine animals consume [7]. Ingesting SUP can lead to blockages in the animals’ digestive systems, resulting in starvation, malnutrition, and even death [8]. Moreover, SUP debris can release toxic chemicals into the animals’ bodies, leading to various health problems such as hormonal disruptions, reproductive failure, and organ damage [8]. This poses a significant threat to the well-being and survival of numerous marine species, contributing significantly to the decline in their populations.
Another significant impact of SUP on marine ecosystems is entanglement [8]. Marine animals such as sea turtles, whales, and seabirds are at risk of getting trapped or entangled in fishing gear, plastic bags, ropes, and other debris, which can lead to severe consequences such as injury, infection, starvation, suffocation, drowning, and even death [9]. This predicament is particularly perilous for marine mammals like whales and dolphins, which depend on surfacing to breathe [9].
Also, plastics pose a multifaceted threat to marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, in particular, suffer greatly from plastic’s destructive influence [8]. The accumulation of plastic waste on reefs not only suffocates the organisms inhabiting them, but it also obstructs vital sunlight from reaching the corals and the organisms dependent on them for sustenance [10][11]. The significance of coral reefs as habitats cannot be overstated; they provide refuge and safeguard for a rich diversity of marine life, encompassing fish, crustaceans, and mollusks [11]. Moreover, coral reefs occupy a crucial role in the ocean’s delicate food web by acting as nurseries for commercially significant fish species [12]. Consequently, the loss of coral reefs bears catastrophic consequences for marine organisms that rely on them for survival [12]. Without the protective haven offered by healthy coral reefs, countless species become susceptible to predation and other environmental stressors, culminating in diminished fish populations and a decline in overall marine life, creating a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem [13].
Additionally, the detrimental effects of SUP extend far beyond the marine ecosystem and encompass critical implications for both climate change and ocean acidification [14]. The production and disposal of plastics, particularly SUP, result in the emission of greenhouse gases, thereby intensifying global warming and exacerbating the challenges of climate change [15]. Furthermore, the presence of SUP waste in our oceans facilitates the absorption and subsequent release of carbon dioxide, triggering the process of ocean acidification. This phenomenon poses a severe threat to marine organisms, especially those dependent on calcium carbonate, such as coral reefs and shellfish [14]. Consequently, the disruption caused to the entire marine ecosystem yields profound and devastating consequences.
Also, the economic impacts of SUP on marine ecosystems are both significant and diverse. The financial burden associated with marine plastic pollution is staggering, with annual expenses per tonne estimated to range from $3300 to $33,000 [16]. These costs encompass a wide range of factors, including the expenses incurred in cleaning up plastic waste, the detrimental effects on revenue within the fisheries and tourism sectors, and the potential consequences on human health [4]. The accumulation of SUP waste in our oceans poses a grave threat to fisheries and other industries that heavily rely on the vitality of marine ecosystems [7]. Moreover, the presence of SUP waste not only jeopardizes marine life but also presents a significant risk to human health, as it contaminates seafood and contributes to severe issues such as cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system damage [17]. The devastating effects of SUP on marine ecosystems underscore the urgent need to take action.