Plastics Pollution

The accumulation of plastics in coastal areas is steadily increasing due to our rising daily production of garbage, much of which is composed of single-use plastics. These plastics accumulate in marine environments, affecting ecosystems and breaking down into microplastics, small plastic particles that enter the food chain and can pose significant health risks. Exposure to microplastics has been linked to various health issues, including neurotoxicity, inflammation, genotoxicity, necrosis, cancer, tissue damage, and asthma, among others.

This book serves as an essential resource for scholars, scientists, students, and readers interested in understanding plastic pollution. It consists of five chapters, each addressing key aspects of plastics and pollution:

Chapter 1 introduces the foundational concepts of monomers, polymers, plastics, biodegradation, and resins. It covers the classification, history, types, and applications of plastics, as well as the health risks posed by additives.

Chapter 2 focuses on microplastics, mesoplastics, nanoplastics, and other related terms, detailing their sources, classifications, and impacts. It also highlights the work of Professor Richard Thompson in the field.

Chapter 3 examines the causes and effects of plastic pollution, particularly on marine ecosystems and bird populations.

Chapter 4 discusses the methods and equipment used in sampling microplastics, including descriptions and photographs of sampling nets like the neuston, manta, plankton, avani trawl, and bongo nets.

Chapter 5 emphasizes the impact of single-use plastics and offers strategies to reduce plastic pollution, including legislation like the Microbeads-Free Waters Act of 2015.

This book is a valuable guide for understanding the complexity of plastic pollution and provides practical insights into mitigating its impacts on the environment and human health.