In 2025, ocean plastic pollution has reached unprecedented levels. Approximately 8 million metric tons of plastic enter global waters annually, and without urgent action, plastic could outweigh fish by 2025. This leads to mass mortality of marine animals, affecting 86% of sea turtle species, 44% of seabird species, and 43% of marine mammal species. Despite the severity of the threat, new strategies and technologies are being developed and implemented to combat this global issue.
Source of the Problem and Its Impact
The majority of ocean plastic (80%) originates from land, entering through rivers, wind currents, and sewage systems . Plastic persists for decades, degrading into microplastics that enter the marine food chain and, ultimately, the human food chain.
Innovative Approaches to Ocean Cleanup
1. Intercepting Plastic On Land and In Rivers
Recognizing that most waste enters the ocean from land, a primary focus is on land-based solutions.
- The Ocean Cleanup develops technologies to intercept plastic in rivers, preventing its flow into the ocean, while also working to collect accumulated debris in the open sea. Their goal is to remove 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040.
- Ocean Conservancy proposes a four-point plan to cut plastic waste leakage by 45% by 2025, with ultimate eradication by 2035, from five priority countries (China, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand). This plan includes optimizing transport systems to eliminate illegal dumping, improving plastic collection rates, using waste-to-energy technologies, and converting low-value plastic into refuse-derived fuel .
2. Developing New Materials
Creating alternative materials that possess plastic’s properties but are safer for the planet.
- Mi Terro uses food production waste to create products that replace microplastics in everyday items. These materials are water-degradable and home-compostable.
3. Refining Recycling Technologies
Innovative methods are being developed to recycle plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills.
- Plastic Energy has developed a process that transforms plastic waste into a product capable of replacing fossil fuels in new plastic manufacturing.
4. Using Enzymes for Plastic Degradation
Scientists are exploring enzymes that can break down plastic in just hours.
- Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin used machine learning to modify a natural enzyme, enabling bacteria to degrade PET plastics in as little as 24 hours. Similar work is underway at other universities worldwide.
Collective Efforts and Prospects
Combating plastic pollution requires coordinated efforts from industry, non-governmental organizations, and governments. International initiatives, such as a global plastics treaty, offer hope for healthier oceans by 2025. Supporting projects focused on combating plastic pollution is crucial for protecting marine environments and their inhabitants.