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Plastics found in stomachs of deepest sea creatures
Animals from the deepest places on Earth have been found with plastic in their stomachs, confirming fears that manmade fibres have contaminated the most remote places on the planet.
The study, led by academics at Newcastle University, found animals from trenches across the Pacific Ocean were contaminated with fibres that probably originated from plastic bottles, packaging and synthetic clothes.
Dr Alan Jamieson, who led the study, said the findings were startling and proved that nowhere on the planet was free from plastics pollution. "There is now no doubt that plastics pollution is so pervasive that nowhere – no matter how remote – is immune," he said.
Evidence of the scale of plastic pollution has been growing in recent months. Earlier this year scientists found plastic in 83% of global tapwater samples, while other studies have found plastic in rock salt and fish. Humans have produced an estimated 8.3bn tonnes of plastic since the 1950s and scientists said it risked near permanent contamination of the planet.
Also at Newcastle University.
(Score: 5, Informative) by edIII on Saturday November 18 2017, @06:50PM (3 children)
Yep. That's why all I can really do is consume as little plastic as I can. Paper bags, highly reusable plastic bags if you have to, glass containers, and I actively participate in recycling programs.
The planet had this problem before, with of all things trees. Initially, there was nothing in nature that could break a tree down once it died, similar to how nature has very little (if anything) to break down most plastics. Evolution will most likely come along again (whether we are still here or not) and provide some sort of enzyme or natural process that can break down plastics.
Taking care of the plastic problem is actually something surmountable for humanity. Real question is if we will ever find the motivation to do so. We're not running on good ideas, ethics, morality, humanity or anything close to what could be termed good. Our world is run on avarice and fear, and there is no greater fear than that the 1% has about losing profits or power.
You should see how hard those hellbound fuckers fight to be able to sell plastic bags in California. Since we banned them, there actually has been far, far, far less plastic bag pollution where I live. It's been a good thing, but man are they still bitching hard about it.
Technically, lunchtime is at any moment. It's just a wave function.
(Score: 5, Informative) by frojack on Saturday November 18 2017, @07:49PM
Yeah, you're not special. Everybody does this.
And most of us recycle the plastic bags too. Recycling is common, almost universal in the US and most of the EU, requiring virtually no extra effort. Even then it makes no economic sense, and is mostly done for environmental reasons. You get no special brownie points for doing the norm.
The problem isn't here in North America, or Europe. The Problem is actually over here [soylentnews.org]
No, you are mistaken. I've always had this sig.
(Score: 2) by PinkyGigglebrain on Sunday November 19 2017, @12:40AM (1 child)
Science side note: It took millions of years for something to evolve that could break down cellulose in wood. All that un-decayed wood got buried under sediment and became the coal we are now burning.
"Beware those who would deny you Knowledge, For in their hearts they dream themselves your Master."
(Score: 2) by realDonaldTrump on Sunday November 19 2017, @01:25AM
Coal is like a treasure trove! And all this plastic getting laid down, it's tremendous. I'm sure our wonderful, and very smart, miners are going to be digging it up soon. And getting rich selling the plastic from the ocean. Very confident about that.