Plastic pollution of the world's oceans is a pressing environmental problem with far-reaching consequences. One worrying consequence of this is the creation of microplastics, which have now been detected not only in the oceans but also in our food and drinking water.
How plastic waste finds its way into our diet
The exact time it takes for plastic waste in the oceans to completely decompose varies depending on the type of plastic material and the environmental conditions.
However, there are some estimates of how long certain types of plastic can persist in the oceans. In general, it is believed that common plastics, such as PET bottles or plastic bags, can take hundreds to thousands of years to fully degrade. Plastics such as polystyrene (Styrofoam) or PVC can take even longer, sometimes centuries or more. How can we make it clearer that action is needed?
It is also important to note that "degradation" is not the same as "biodegradation". Plastic does not biodegrade like organic materials such as wood or paper, but remains in the environment as microplastic particles. These small particles are extremely persistent and can remain present in the oceans for very long periods of time. But it does decompose and leads to microplastics.
What is actually meant by microplastics
Microplastics are created when larger pieces of plastic are broken down by weather, waves or sunlight. But there are also specially manufactured microplastics that can be found in some products such as cleaning products, cosmetics and clothing. These tiny plastic particles are capable of entering various food sources and our water supply.
Because of their small size, they can be ingested by living organisms and thus enter the food chain. This means that we humans also risk ingesting microplastics through eating food and drinking water.
The potential health effects of microplastics are not yet fully understood. However, there are concerns about the potential negative effects on the human body, such as inflammatory reactions and the absorption of toxic chemicals that may be adsorbed to the surface of microplastic particles.
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What you can do about it
In order to reduce the burden of microplastics, it is of course first important to reduce our overall plastic consumption.
The hysteria surrounding plastic straws may sound "ridiculous" to some people when compared to the mountain of plastic waste worldwide, but you have to start somewhere. With every step, no matter how small, we reduce the amount of plastic waste in the oceans and the likelihood of microplastics forming.
We should also look for products that are free of microplastics, dispose of our plastic waste correctly and rely on recycling options. So: the visible waste can and must be skimmed off and disposed of, but what about the invisible microplastics and residues such as antibiotics that are already in the water?
But it is also about what we do with the existing waste and how we can purify and clean our drinking water. And this requires know-how and commitment. Here are two examples
Osmosis systems
Osmosis systems use advanced technology, which is also used in space research, to filter tap water to an extremely pure level. The osmosis process effectively removes various contaminants such as nitrates, PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) and drug residues (keyword: antibiotics in drinking water, see below) from the drinking water. The filter process of an osmosis system consists of several stages that ensure thorough cleaning of the water. This leads to improved water quality and a taste experience that is free of unwanted contaminants.
It is reassuring to know that osmosis systems can help us to no longer have to worry about nitrates, PFAS and drug residues in drinking water. With such clean water, we can enjoy the full flavor of our drinks and food. And this does not only apply to apartments and homes, it is also available in a smaller format for on the go through Water filter for traveling with a camper or motorhomeAnd so you are on the safe side even in countries that are not exotic to us.
Antibiotics in drinking water
As already described in the case of osmosis systems, the presence of drug residues, particularly antibiotics, in drinking water is also a cause for concern.
Antibiotics can enter water in a variety of ways, including through human and animal excretions, inadequate wastewater treatment or agricultural practices.
The presence of antibiotics in drinking water can potentially pose health risks. Excessive use of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, which can reduce the effectiveness of these drugs in treating infections. To Dangers of antibiotics in drinking water To minimize antibiotic exposure, high-quality water treatment plants and proper wastewater treatment are of great importance. These processes can help reduce the presence of antibiotics and thus reduce the risk to consumer health.
Individually, we can also take active steps to minimize exposure to antibiotics. This includes properly disposing of expired or unused medicines (e.g. at collection points or pharmacies), using antibiotics consciously according to a doctor's instructions, and promoting sustainable farming practices that limit the use of antibiotics.
Water softening systems
Water softeners are an excellent solution to reduce the effects of hard water. Through their effect on tap water, they offer a number of benefits that can improve your daily life. With a water softener, you have access to softer water, which is particularly beneficial for people with atopic dermatitis. The softer water can help reduce the risk of skin drying out when showering, thus improving well-being during daily personal care.
In addition, using softened water results in fewer limescale stains forming on surfaces. This means less cleaning and easier cleaning of bathroom fixtures, tiles and other affected areas.
Another great benefit of water softeners is their positive impact on the lifespan of electrical appliances. Hard water can leave limescale deposits in washing machines, dishwashers and other household appliances, which can lead to blockages and inefficient operation. With softer water through the use of a water softener, these deposits are reduced, improving the effectiveness of the appliances and extending their lifespan.
Last but not least, water softening systems help to increase the effectiveness of heating elements. By reducing the formation of limescale on the heating surfaces, the water can be heated more efficiently, which ultimately leads to greater energy efficiency.
Small but important digression: How dangerous is microplastic for marine animals?
Microplastics are also a serious threat to marine animals. As already described, these are tiny particles of plastic that are contained in many products such as cosmetics, clothing and packaging and that become smaller and smaller through various decomposition processes. If these particles enter the sea, they can be ingested by marine organisms. The ingestion of microplastics can be very dangerous for marine animals. On the one hand, the particles can block the animals' digestive tract and lead to serious injuries or even death.
Furthermore, the chemical substances contained in the plastic particles can enter the organism of marine animals and cause health problems. These substances can accumulate in the animals' tissues over time and impair their ability to reproduce. The effects of microplastics on marine animals are diverse.
Many species, such as fish, turtles and birds, are at risk. Some studies show that ingesting microplastics can lead to behavioral changes by disrupting the animals' foraging behavior or orientation. To minimize the threat posed by microplastics, it is important to reduce the use of single-use plastic products and use more environmentally friendly alternatives. In addition, effective waste disposal and recycling measures should be implemented to stop the discharge of plastic into the oceans. Only by acting together can we protect the lives of marine animals and curb the spread of microplastics.