PLASTIC POLLUTION: SOME INIMICAL IMPLICATIONS ON BIOTIC COMPONENTS OF THE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Advances in Science and Technology have offered greater opportunities for man to manipulate the environment to suit his own need. Plastic pollution is a direct consequence of increase in anthropogenic activities through using the principles of Science and Technology to create products used in packaging and other household items as well as accessories for industrial and domestic utensils. Most plastic wastes do not decompose easily or never at all. Indiscriminate and improper disposal of plastic refuse remarkably leads to the littering of the environment and eventually gets to the ocean where the most resultant effect is felt. Marine animals are directly killed, food chains interfered with and smoke from burning of plastic refuse is inimical to humans and other terrestrial animals. It is a common practice in many African Countries, especially Nigeria, for buyers to demand for plastic bags for whatever they buy from shops even if it is as petty as just a single maggi cube. Millions of plastic bottles, empty water sachets and uncountable tons of synthetic polymers are littered everywhere in virtually almost all the major cities and villages of Nigeria thereby aggravating the menace of plastic pollution. It has been projected that by 2050 there may be more plastics than fish in the oceans. Environmental activists have been agitating against plastic pollution. Recycling of plastic wastes, proper plastic refuse disposal, banning the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags and adequate public enlightenment will go a long way in mitigating the negative consequences of plastic pollution.