Microplastics Part 2 (In Singapore)

Continuing on the topic of microplastics from the previous post, this brings to my mind about a presentation by Hazimah, a student from NUS during one of the Environmental Engineering lectures weeks ago. She  researched and published a journal article, Microplastics in Singapore's Coastal Mangrove Ecosystems. It is about the distribution of microplastics in Singapore's coastal ecosystems. Her research showed that microplastics can be found in all seven intertidal mangroves habitat in Singapore namely Pasir Ris, Changi, Lim Chu Kang, Pulau Ubin, Pulau Semakau, Sungei Buloh and Berlayar Creek (Mohamed Nor & Obbard, 2014). From Hazimah's presentation, I learnt that the highest concentration of microplastics is found in Lim Chu Kang where fish farms are located. The concentrations of microplastics in these sites are reported to be much higher as compared to the previous study conducted in Singapore in 2004 and are reported to be up to 3 times higher than a study conducted UK (Mohamed Nor & Obbard, 2014). 

Many countries are starting to ban these harmful and damaging substances, but  microplastic is currently still not banned in Singapore. This means that products that contain these microbeads can still be found on the shelves.  As small organisms can ingest microplastic and bioaccumulate in their bodies, mangrove systems and fish resources from nearby fish farms in Singapore may be potentially harmed ((Mohamed Nor & Obbard, 2014). Looking forward, do you think this is sustainable? With the potential harm that it may bring to us in the long run and future generations, this is definitely not sustainable as marine life would be adversely affected together with our health. As this problem worsens, we should do something about it before it gets too late. Instead of just using words, let's act on it and support the banning of such products. A simple way to start would be looking out for these products and read carefully before purchasing them. Choose products that use natural ingredients for the production of the beads or select products that don't even contain these microbeads in the first place. I believe all of us will be able to do it! 

Reference:

• Mohamed Nor, N. H., & Obbard, J. P. (2014). Microplastics in singapore's coastal mangrove ecosystems. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 79(1-2), 278-283. doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.11.025