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Hi,
Dangers from plastics in rivers and the sea do get some press coverage in
Austria and Germany. However, this was the first time I heard about
biodegradable plastics being harmful.
best wishes, Irene
On Do, 2.10.2014, 11:48, Magnus Johnson wrote:
> Hi All,
>
> I don’t quite understand why this doesn’t get more press. I have a
> postgraduate working on plastic particles, their ability to absorb
> persistent organic pollutants and likely effects on mussels. When I have
> examined the stomachs of lobsters I have found them to be full of nylon
> fibres they have nibbled off lobster pots.
>
> The issue could be a basis for a decent H2020 application. Any interest?
>
> Cheers, Magnus
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Scientific forum on fish and fisheries
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Irene Zweimüller
> Sent: 02 October 2014 10:39
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: [Fwd: Plastics and rubbish drowning Greek ecosystems]
>
>><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>
> REPLIES WILL BE SENT TO THE FISH-SCI LIST <>< <>< <>< <><
> <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><
>
> Dear all,
>
> I´m forwarding this mail coming from a group of greek marinebiologists, as
> it may be interesting. At least I was not aware of the dangers of
> biodegradeable plastic (7th paragraph in the mail).
>
> best wishes
> Irene
>
> ------------------------ Ursprüngliche Nachricht ------------------------
> Betreff: Plastics and rubbish drowning Greek ecosystems
> Von: "Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation"
> <[log in to unmask]>
> Datum: Do, 2.10.2014, 10:40
> An: [log in to unmask]
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Plastics and rubbish drowning Greek ecosystems ==========
>
> The first autumn rains initiated a destructive journey of tons of plastic
> and other debris, which had mostly been accumulating on the roadsides
> throughout Greece, towards the sea.
>
> For many months, this garbage was "waiting" for the local authorities or
> communities to act, for their collection, with no response!
>
> It is unfortunate to see such a large part of the public impassively
> contributing to the great presence of waste via their everyday life.
> **Only a few are aware that plastic is highly dangerous as it degrades
> into our environment.**
>
> Until recently it was widely believed that plastic requires hundreds of
> years to break down, and this led **many people to quietly let the problem
> roll over to our future generations by simply not taking any action.**
>
> The vicious circle of plastic is especially alarming. Recent research
> conducted in Greece, and worldwide, have demonstrated how inaccurate the
> belief of how slow the rate of plastic breakdown truly is.
>
> For example, when common types of plastic (such as bags or water bottles)
> are discharged into the environment, **it can take only a few months of UV
> radiation, salt, and wave-effect to break them into small fragments, which
> later become microscopic fibers.**
>
> Also, it has to be noted that one of the most dangerous products of
> plastic widely used in recent years is the so-called “biodegradable”
> bags.
> Their widespread use is a scandal, **as the material is not actually
> “biodegradeable”, nor recyclable, it just degrades faster due to the
> effect of a chemical catalyst** breaking down the plastic material into
> smaller pieces, therefore entering our food chain faster.
>
> The consequences of this modern form of pollution are particularly
> devastating for both natural ecosystems and the protected species these
> support, as well as for human health.
>
> Since 2009, **researchers from Archipelagos Institute of Marine
> Conservation have been carrying out thorough research throughout Greece on
> the dispersal of microplastic fibers within ecosystems,** studying their
> abundance on coastal sediments, fish, invertebrates, surface waters, etc.
>
> Furthermore, we investigate the accurate breakdown rates of different
> types of plastic in real ecosystem conditions, i.e. in the sea, rivers and
> coasts.
>
> Archipelagos have already published relevant scientific papers, in
> collaboration with researchers from Swansea University, which highlights
> the extent of the problem in the Greek seas.
>
> **Unfortunately, in uninhabited areas of the Aegean, we found
> concentrations of microplastic fibres which are equivalent to those of the
> coastal areas of Athens.**
>
> Our goal is the study of this vicious circle of plastic pollution and to
> determine the way this impacts the rich biodiversity of the Greek seas, as
> well as human health.
>
> At the same time we are making unremitting efforts to address the problem
> by raising the awareness of both the authorities and the wider public.
>
> This effort does not have sufficient support. Despite the concern and
> mobilization of some local authorities and communities, **many still view
> the Greek territory as an open dump.**
>
> This is easily proven by the images of scattered waste in all local and
> national roads, for which, no one seems to care.
>
> **This problem is caused not only by all those who pollute the ecosystems,
> but also by all those who tolerate the situation as inactive
> spectators.**
>
> Another worrying aspect is that all marine organisms we have analysed,
> which include fish and marine invertebrates, were found to contain
> microplastic fibers, either in smaller or in greater quantities, inside
> the stomach.
>
> This, however, should not deter us from eating fish, as **it remains one
> of the most valuable and nutritious food for humans** (and usually the
> stomach which contains the plastic fibers is not consumed).
>
> Undoubtedly, **microplastics are a rapidly growing threat, without
> geographical boundaries,** as the dispersion of tiny fibers increasing in
> all oceans and seas worldwide.
>
> **The most effective action would be to completely ban the use of
> plastics.** However, realistically, this method cannot be applied as it
> encounters conflicting interests.
>
> Until then, however, it is our obligation **to manage plastic as a
> dangerous and irrecoverable material** (from the time of its breakdown),
> which should be recycled and in any case never be released into the
> environment.
>
> Web Version
> https://madmimi.com/p/13fa55?fe=1&pact=25420654772
>
> Unsubscribe
> https://go.madmimi.com/opt_out?fe=1&pact=25420654772
>
> Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation | Pythagorio Samos, 83103
>
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