Tackling plastic pollution in the oceans requires education

Tackling plastic pollution in the oceans requires education

All types of pollution are serious, although organic pollution is less harmful because it eventually degrades and becomes the basic part of the elements. But plastic, like nuclear waste, pesticides, detergents and hydrocarbons, are not destroyed or take a long time to do so and accumulate more and more in the seas; in the long term, they harm the organisms that live in those environments, he said about World Oceans Day, to be celebrated on June 8.

This year, the United Nations (UN) chose for the anniversary the slogan "Healthy oceans, a healthy planet", and focuses on efforts to end the pollution caused by this material, characteristic of the 20th century.

Plastic, indicates the international body, is a serious threat because it slowly deteriorates these huge bodies of water and its effects last over time. In addition, it damages the health of many animal species, which mistake its particles for food.

"Its damaging effects on the seas are extensive and measuring and quantifying them represents a great research work," said Flores Coto, biologist and doctor in biological and fisheries oceanography, attached to the academic unit Ecology and Aquatic Diversity, of the ICMyL.

They provide food, energy, water and, from their funds, hydrocarbons and mineral resources of great value, but they are increasingly affected by the development of coastal areas, industrial waste and uncontrolled fishing, he concluded.

Campus Mexico

Video: Is Asia Responsible for Plastic Pollution? (June 2021).