The Effects of Microplastics on Aquatic Ecosystems and Measures to be Taken to Protect
Ecological and Human Health
Cassidy Jackson (1083279)
University of Guelph
GEOG 3210: Indigenous-Settler Relationships in Environmental Governance
Dr. Faisal Moola
November 11, 2022
, Executive summary
Global plastic production stands at around 245 million tonnes per year with
approximately 75-80 million tonnes entering global oceans (Andrady, 2011). Microplastics are
typically formed either through the weathering of plastic or intentionally designed to be less than
five millimeters. Each microplastic has unique characteristics that allow them to adsorb
pollutants, heavy metals, and pathogens, which can then be taken up by biological organisms.
These pollutants may bioaccumulate through the food chain and upon consumption, result in
adverse effects on human health. Much of the research conducted suggests there is much to
discover about microplastics and their interactions with the natural environment. This brief
proposes three policy solutions that could be implemented in Canada to reduce the release of
microplastics into aquatic ecosystems and subsequent harm to biological organisms.
What are microplastics and why are they important?
Microplastics, despite being five millimeters in size, have been shown to pose adverse
ecological and human health effects when improperly managed. Demonstrated when consumed
by biological organisms, these pollutants enter the bloodstream and cause severe physiological
damage. Due to microplastics' capability to transport persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy
metals, and pathogens, these pollutants may bioaccumulate up the food chain to then affect
humans who consume contaminated aquatic species. Today’s plastic production exceeds that of
carbon emissions, and due to their non-degradable nature, these plastics persist for decades to
centuries (Hale et al., 2020). Microplastic contamination in today’s environment is largely due to
the improper management of landfills, wastewater, surface runoff, and trash released into
waterways (Andrady, 2011).
Ecological and Human Health
Cassidy Jackson (1083279)
University of Guelph
GEOG 3210: Indigenous-Settler Relationships in Environmental Governance
Dr. Faisal Moola
November 11, 2022
, Executive summary
Global plastic production stands at around 245 million tonnes per year with
approximately 75-80 million tonnes entering global oceans (Andrady, 2011). Microplastics are
typically formed either through the weathering of plastic or intentionally designed to be less than
five millimeters. Each microplastic has unique characteristics that allow them to adsorb
pollutants, heavy metals, and pathogens, which can then be taken up by biological organisms.
These pollutants may bioaccumulate through the food chain and upon consumption, result in
adverse effects on human health. Much of the research conducted suggests there is much to
discover about microplastics and their interactions with the natural environment. This brief
proposes three policy solutions that could be implemented in Canada to reduce the release of
microplastics into aquatic ecosystems and subsequent harm to biological organisms.
What are microplastics and why are they important?
Microplastics, despite being five millimeters in size, have been shown to pose adverse
ecological and human health effects when improperly managed. Demonstrated when consumed
by biological organisms, these pollutants enter the bloodstream and cause severe physiological
damage. Due to microplastics' capability to transport persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy
metals, and pathogens, these pollutants may bioaccumulate up the food chain to then affect
humans who consume contaminated aquatic species. Today’s plastic production exceeds that of
carbon emissions, and due to their non-degradable nature, these plastics persist for decades to
centuries (Hale et al., 2020). Microplastic contamination in today’s environment is largely due to
the improper management of landfills, wastewater, surface runoff, and trash released into
waterways (Andrady, 2011).
