Study of microplastic content in fish in the Neva River and Lake Ladoga

Abstract

The problem of plastic pollution in the marine environment is currently widely discussed in the scientific literature. There are numerous studies that highlight the negative impact of plastic on both individual organisms and marine ecosystems as a whole. Plastic can be found throughout the world's oceans, and its widespread distribution is due to the fact that its sources are diverse, and its lightweight particles are easily transported by currents, quickly migrating from one location to another. Another factor contributing to the widespread microplastic pollution is its difficulty in decomposing naturally in the environment. Plastics do not undergo complete biological or chemical decomposition, but they break down into small particles called microplastics under the influence of external factors.

According to UNESCO, 8-10 million tons of microplastics enter the seas every year. Scientists estimate that there are currently between 50 and 75 trillion microplastics in the world's oceans, but other scientists believe that there could be between 82 and 358 trillion microplastics in the world's oceans.

Plastic is the most common type of ocean pollution, accounting for up to 80% of all marine debris.

According to Rosprirodnadzor, in 2022, the area of land occupied by garbage in Russia was about 40,000 km². Despite the fact that experts estimate that Russia's contribution to global ocean pollution is only 0.05%, even this amount of microplastics has a negative impact on aquatic life.