genomes to ecosystems lecture 10- issues in aquatic conservation

Question 1

what is Classed as a microplastic?

Answer 1

anything less than 5mm,
primary a whole item and secondary is broken down into pieces

Question 2

what is classed as a macroplastic?

Answer 2

anything > or equal to 5mm

Question 3

how does plastic get into the ocean?

Answer 3

Run-off from land & rivers

Question 4

what happens when plastic is in the ocean?

Answer 4

Burial in sediment
Photodegradation: UVB exposure
Just keep floating
stays in the environment

Question 5

what is the problems with macroplastics?

Answer 5

Ingestion- crabs, sea mice, flatfish etc
Entanglement
Invasive species use as rafts

Question 6

what is the effect of ingested microplastics?

Answer 6

False satiation, Suffocation
Physical blockage
Weakened condition / hormonal disruption

Question 7

what also is a problem with plastics?

Answer 7

they accumulate toxins over time, once this happens they do not go away

Question 8

what are further problems with plastics

Answer 8

-reproduction
-accumulation
-oxidative damage
-morality
-behavioural changes
-physical changes
-neurotoxicity
-cytotoxicity

Question 9

study the wee diagram of plastics too ( screen shotted)

Question 10

what are solutions to plastics?

Answer 10

Find & fix sources
Plant-based plastics
Better washing machines
High efficiency waste-water filtration
plastic bags
rigid packaging
Reduce amount of plastics
Education: Beach cleans, Recycling
Legislation: Microbeads ban, 5p carrier bags

Question 11

what was the goal for 2020by the marine directive?

Answer 11

to achieve clean, healthy sand productive European seas and specifically to achieve good environmental status of the eus marine waters