The Devastating Impact of Microplastics on Ecosystems | CBCGDF Climate Change Working Group

Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become pervasive in global ecosystems, posing significant threats to biodiversity and environmental health. These particles originate from a variety of sources, including the breakdown of larger plastic debris, microbeads in personal care products, and synthetic fibers from clothing. Their small size allows them to be easily ingested by a wide range of organisms, from plankton to marine mammals, disrupting food chains and ecosystems.

One of the primary dangers of microplastics is their ability to absorb and release toxic chemicals. When microplastics accumulate in organisms, they can carry pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals, which are then ingested by the organism. This bioaccumulation can lead to severe health issues, including reproductive failure, developmental abnormalities, and mortality. In aquatic environments, this can ripple through the food web, affecting larger predators that consume contaminated prey.

Microplastics can also alter the physical and chemical properties of their surroundings. In sediments, they can affect nutrient cycling and oxygen levels, disrupting the habitats of benthic organisms. In water columns, they can interfere with light penetration and photosynthesis, impacting primary producers like phytoplankton. These changes can lead to shifts in species composition and ecosystem functions, reducing overall biodiversity and resilience.

The ubiquity of microplastics in ecosystems underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate their impact. This includes reducing plastic production and consumption, implementing better waste management practices, and developing innovative solutions to remove existing microplastics from the environment. Addressing the microplastic crisis is essential for safeguarding ecosystems and ensuring the health and sustainability of our planet.

 

Translator: Richard

Checked by Maggie

Editor: Richard

Contact: v10@cbcgdf.org; +8617319454776


Contribution

Do you know? CBCGDF is a non-profit organization. We rely on crowd-funding and donations. You have the opportunity to help us to advance biodiversity conservation. Donate TODAY to power up the movement to make it a better world for all life.

 

1. Webpage:

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=2EYYJJZ8CGPLE

2. via paypal

Donation（501C3）Paypal： intl@wbag.org

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bridging Borders for Wildlife: John E. Scanlon AO Recognized with China's Highest Honor - Chinese Government Friendship Award

Image
Congratulations to our dear friend and best teacher, John E. Scanlon AO, for honored the remarkable achievement - The Chinese Government Friendship Award!   On September 27, 2023, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs) held a prestigious ceremony in Beijing to present the Chinese Government Friendship Award. The Chinese Government Friendship Award is China's highest honor bestowed upon foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to the country's modernization and reform and opening-up efforts. John E. Scanlon AO, an esteemed ecological conservation and sustainable development expert hailing from Australia (UK), received this distinguished award. His unwavering commitment and significant contributions to global wildlife conservation efforts, along with his deep friendship with people of China, earned him the Chinese Government Friendship Award. John E. Scanlon has dedicated his life to the protection of a
Read more

Dr. FANG Jun, Secretary General of CBCGDF One Health Working Committee Leads the Construction of ESG System for the Medical Device Industry

Image
" T he First ESG &   China Medical Device Development Forum" organized by   China Association   for Medical Device Industry , Smart & Mobile Medical Branch of China Association   for Medical Device Industry and Reed Sinopharm Exhibitions was held in Shenzhen   o n October 28, 2023, . The Forum   launched the construction of an ESG system for the medical device industry. At the meeting, Dr. F ANG   Jun, Secretary-General of the One Health Working Committee of China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), was selected as the chief expert to lead the organization of relevant professional and academic research work on the construction of the ESG system. As the first important event for the construction of the ESG system of the medical device industry held by the "China Medical Device Industry Association ESG Task Force", this forum not only created a good atmosphere for the development of the ESG industry, but also provided a platfor
Read more

ZHOU Jinfeng Recommends CBCGDF WaYC Community to President of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly to Join the Global Women Leaders Voices

Image
On the eve of International Women ’ s Day, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng, Secretary-General of the China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation (CBCGDF), was invited to meet with   Ms.   María Fernanda Espinosa Garcés, President of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly , for an informal dialogue . At the meeting, Dr. Zhou Jinfeng   stated   that CBCGDF   is the only national social organization in the field of biodiversity   conserva tion and green development. As a foundation, we have a youth and women ’ s working group named   CBCGDF our Women and Youth Community(WaYC) that brings together women and youth from across China, including indigenous people and ethnic minorities. Zhou said, “ I am very happy to hear that your work covers international women. I would like to introduce our   CBCGDF WaYC Community, and recommend it   to join and participate in your Global Women Leaders Voices." Ms. Espinoza pointed out that one of the major challenges facing the world today is
Read more