Research shows that plastic pollution, in the world's oceans, costs the international community billions of dollars each year, through its impact on the resources that benefit humans. In particular, fisheries, aquaculture and recreational activities are negatively affected by plastic pollution, with pollution causing an estimated 1 to 5% loss of human benefits from the oceans. The loss of these benefits, known as the value of the marine ecosystem, amounts to as much as $ 2.5 trillion (£ 1.9 trillion) per year, according to a study published last week in the United Kingdom in the journal Marine Pollution.

The study found that an estimated eight million tons of plastic pollutants enter the world's oceans each year. The study was the first of its kind to investigate the social and economic impact of plastics at sea, said Nicola Beaumont, an environmental economist at the Plymouth Marine Laboratory in Britain.

Warning

The authors caution that their estimates did not take into account direct and indirect impacts in the tourism, transport and fishing industries or in human health. The study found that plastic waste is spread throughout the world's water bodies, from the most densely populated to remote areas, and has a significant impact on biomass, invertebrates, fish, turtles, birds and mammals. However, the research also revealed that plastic materials, which can remain on the water surface for decades or more and are more than 3,000 kilometers from their place of origin, create a new environment in which bacteria and algae live. The research found that these "colonies" increase the geographical range of bacteria and algae, threatening the spread of invasive diseases.

Dr. Kelly Wells, a professor of environmental psychology at the University of Surrey, said the research was the first to reveal the "overall" impact of plastic pollution. "In addition to the devastating impact of plastics on our environmental and marine systems, it also directly and indirectly affects society." "Estimating the tangible and intangible costs associated with marine plastic waste should make us devote our attention and resources to protecting the seas for future generations to enjoy." She says she also hopes the study will simplify services to address plastic pollution and "help us make informed decisions." "Recycle a ton of plastic" cost us hundreds, compared to thousands if we leave it in the marine environment. "

Bottles for water bottling

Plastic bottles, used by humans to mobilize water and soft drinks, are the most common forms of plastic pollution in waterways in Europe, according to another new report on plastic contaminants. Food packaging materials are the second largest form of plastic pollution in rivers, followed by cigarette butts. All these forms of garbage can cause problems for wildlife and fish, and are difficult to clean once they find their way into the water. Plastic bags make up only 1% of plastic trash in fresh water, reflecting years of efforts to limit their use, including fees imposed in the UK and many other European countries.

"The products we buy every day contribute to the problem of plastic pollution, which has been neglected to enter the rivers," says John Roxton, chief executive of UK-based Ocean Plastics. "Such wastes are the result of our way of life while we are traveling, and the stuff we throw into the toilets." Although most of the attention to the plastic scourge is the plight of the oceans, about 80 percent of plastic litter flows into those oceans from rivers. Many experts believe that the focus on river cleaning is the best way to reduce waste on the sea. Bottles form 14% of the visible elements of the garbage. Food envelopes account for 12%, cigarette butts are 9% of the freshwater pollutants. Disposable food containers constitute 6% of all ingredients, followed by cotton bud sticks and ready-made cups , By 5 and 4%, respectively.

Plastic bottles, used by humans to mobilize water and soft drinks, are the most common forms of plastic pollution in European watercourses, according to a new report on plastic contaminants.

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Millions of tons of plastic contaminants enter the world's oceans each year.