Microplastics in Aquaculture and Everywhere | Ega Adhi Wicaksono | TEDxJakarta

Environmental Impact of Plastics - The initial creation of plastic was seen as beneficial due to its affordability, ease of production, and versatility [5][6] - Misuse of plastics, especially single-use plastics, leads to environmental pollution, with plastics ending up in water bodies [8] - Plastics in water bodies break down into microplastics (less than 5 mm), which have a disproportionately large negative impact on the environment [9][10] - Microplastics are toxic due to additives, absorb pollutants, and can host pathogens, posing a threat to ecosystems [10][11][12] - Microplastics can be ingested by aquatic organisms like fish, potentially transferring the contamination to humans through consumption [13][14] Mitigation Strategies - Reducing the use of unnecessary plastics, especially single-use items, is crucial to decrease environmental contamination [19] - Proper waste sorting facilitates processing and reduces the potential for plastics to leak into the environment [20] - Washing fish before consumption and removing organs that accumulate microplastics can minimize human exposure [21] - Choosing durable clothing over fast fashion and opting for front-loading washing machines can reduce microplastic release from textiles [22][23] - Educating oneself and others about the impacts of microplastics can promote collective action and reduce plastic misuse [24]