The Tamesis
A new study finds that microplastics are harming the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and hindering a process that scientists say is crucial to limiting global warming and climate change.
Microplastics – tiny pieces of plastic less than 5 millimeters in size – are now found almost everywhere on Earth, including in human body. They are suspected of posing a threat to most living things, damaging ecosystems and harming aquatic life.
Researchers now say microplastics are not only polluting the marine environment but also weakening its ability to combat global warming. They said the amount of plastic discharged into the ocean each year is expected to reach hundreds of millions of tons by 2060, necessitating global action to combat the growing negative impact on the planet.
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ResearchThe article published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials: Plastics states that microplastics disrupt a process called the biocarbon pump.
Microplastics “interfere with this process by reducing phytoplankton photosynthesis and impairing zooplankton metabolism,” the report said. These are two key elements of the carbon cycle.
They also emit greenhouse gases as they degrade and interfere with “plastosphere,” which the company describes as “a collection of microorganisms in aquatic environments that form biofilms on surfaces.”
It says the plasticosphere “is home to a variety of microorganisms, most of which are involved in biological processes such as nitrogen and carbon cycles.”
Dr. Ihsanullah Obaidullah, Associate Professor of Integrated Water Treatment Technology University of Sharjah Microplastics are widely recognized as pollutants, but their impact on climate change has received limited attention so far, the university website said, citing the study’s corresponding author.
“Our research shows that they also interfere with the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, a key process in regulating Earth’s temperature,” he said.
“Microplastics can damage marine life, weaken biological carbon pumps, and even release greenhouse gases as they degrade. Over time, these changes could lead to ocean warming, acidification, and biodiversity loss, threatening food security and coastal communities around the world.”
Dr Obaidullah said the study was a collaborative effort between scientists from China, Hong Kong, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
‘Global action needed’
“We highlight the overlooked link between microplastics and climate change. We call for urgent global action to tackle this emerging threat.
“The ocean is the largest carbon sink on Earth,” Dr. Isanullah said. “Microplastics are destroying this natural barrier against climate change. Addressing plastic pollution is now part of the fight against global warming.”
The study said public awareness of the harmful effects of plastic pollution needs to be increased.
“Reducing the amount of single-use plastic produced is a vital first step in ecological recovery. Ghost nets, illegal fishing and rising sea levels are all hazards to marine life, but the subtle effects of ocean acidification remain an important issue,” the report said.
The report said ocean acidification was “ignored by the Paris Agreement” and “suggests an important flaw in international environmental policy.
“Governments around the world need to prioritize and address the growing problems created by parliamentarians [microplastic] Pollution, contributes significantly to ocean acidification, rising temperatures and climate change.
“This requires more awareness and concerted action. Future recommendations include implementing strict laws to reduce plastic waste and protect marine habitats, as well as conducting thorough research to clarify the complex relationship between MPs [microplastics]ocean acidification and climate change. “
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