The impact of plastics on the ecosystem in the State of Mexico

Abstract

Plastics have been a revolutionary innovation in modern history, but their omnipresence has led to serious consequences for global ecosystems. Since its invention in the 20th century, the production and use of plastics has get high and also the environmental impact. Plastics play a significant threat to terrestrial and marine ecosystems due to their persistence, ability to fragment into microplastics, and toxicity. On land, plastic waste clogs drainage systems, contributes to urban flooding and contaminates soils, affecting biodiversity and water quality. In the oceans, plastics represent one of the most serious forms of pollution, threatening marine life through ingestion, suffocation and chemical pollution. Microplastics are small plastic particles derived from the decomposition of larger objects, are also present in a wide range of ecosystems, from seabeds to terrestrial food chains. This problem not only has environmental consequences, but also economic and social ones. Cleaning up plastic waste represents a significant cost to communities and governments, and plastic pollution can affect fishing and tourism industries, reducing the income and well-being of coastal communities. The impact of plastics on the ecosystem is a multifaceted problem that requires urgent and coordinated action at a global level.