People have been writing about the detrimental effects of plastics on marine ecosystems for at least 5 years (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21236477). Not only does big plastic get everywhere in our oceans with most of it being broken down over decades but we are apparently swilling tons of plastic microgranules down our drains. These particles are used in cosmetics for their abrasive properties. They are so tiny that they can be consumed by animal plankton. This means that they have the potential to appear throughout all the food chains in the seas without providing any energy to the feeders. They might even prove toxic or capable of mimicking some hormonal effects. I suspect that some of the plastics we are asked to recycle are converted for this use?
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Friday 13 March 2015
Plastic, Plastic Everywhere Yet Not a Drop to Drink
People have been writing about the detrimental effects of plastics on marine ecosystems for at least 5 years (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21236477). Not only does big plastic get everywhere in our oceans with most of it being broken down over decades but we are apparently swilling tons of plastic microgranules down our drains. These particles are used in cosmetics for their abrasive properties. They are so tiny that they can be consumed by animal plankton. This means that they have the potential to appear throughout all the food chains in the seas without providing any energy to the feeders. They might even prove toxic or capable of mimicking some hormonal effects. I suspect that some of the plastics we are asked to recycle are converted for this use?
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Seeing the Changes 2016
Further flowers in Bynea. Pineapple mayweed ( Chamomilla suaveolens ) and feral Cultivated apple ( Malus domestica ) put in appearances.
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The UK government continue their quest to turn England's rivers back into sewers. They first facilitated the privatised water companies...
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Garden plants in France, The Netherlands, The UK and Sikkim (NE India).
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