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Sources of Microplastics Relevant to Marine Conservation in Germany

Scientific research shows that plastics dominate the waste finds in oceans and inland waters. In addition to large-scale waste such as plastic bottles or bags, microparticles made of plastics are also detected in the water body, in sediments and on beaches of the world's oceans. 663 species are known to be affected by negative impacts from marine and coastal litter. More than half of them absorb or become entangled in plastic waste. Microparticles smaller than five millimeters, as well as larger plastic parts, can cause mechanical injuries to the digestive tract, hinder digestion and block food intake. In addition, its components can be toxic or have a hormonal effect. As a result, there is a risk of contaminants accumulating in the food chain. In addition, plastic microparticles can serve as a means of transport to which pollutants, invasive species and pathogens accumulate. Based on these alarming findings, the Federal Environment Agency commissioned a study to determine the use levels of plastic microparticles in cosmetic products used in Germany and the European Union in a first approximation, to research further areas of application, to identify their use levels and to identify further sources of plastic microparticles and to estimate their amount. Based on comprehensive literature analyses and telephone interviews, the nova Institute has collected corresponding data. A distinction was made between primary microparticles and secondary plastic microparticles. [...]. The decomposition of plastic waste is the most important source for the formation of microparticles. Scientific estimates suggest that about six to ten percent of the world's plastic production finds its way into the world's oceans. Since Germany has a comparatively well-developed waste management system, it can be assumed that less plastic waste enters the environment, but reliable information on this is not available. Other secondary sources of plastic microparticles that have been neglected so far and are important due to the high input volumes are man-made fibres that are washed out of clothing and other textiles, tyre abrasion in road traffic and the loss of granules in the production and further processing of plastics.

Scope: 45 pages
Reference: free of charge for download