Plastic wrap: Difference between revisions

The accumulation of [[Plastic pollution|plastic debris]] on the Earth threatens both wildlife and the environment. Plastic debris might choke or trap wildlife, and it could also penetrate toxic compounds into ecosystems. This land-originated problem has become a problem in ocean ecosystem as well since streams and rivers which are close to the land have carried the plastic debris into the coast, and currents transfer it to everywhere in the ocean. Plastic debris is a potential danger to all forms of aquatic life. Some marine species, like sea turtles, take plastic as prey items by mistake. Besides, some species might even pick up plastics and feed their offspring, which cause huge problems on growth and even cause mortality. Toxic compounds in plastics can disrupt hormone regulation in the cells of organisms, which can lead to alteration of animals’ mating behavior, reproductive ability, and even cause the development of tumors. Plastic debris could be a big threat to lives in the ocean.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Marrero|first=Meghan E.|last2=Keiper|first2=Carol A.|last3=Szoboszlai|first3=Amber I.|last4=Bean|first4=Jessica R.|last5=Hettinger|first5=Annaliese|last6=Gravem|first6=Sarah A.|last7=Mata|first7=Tawny M.|last8=Fontana|first8=Rachel E.|last9=Brander|first9=Susanne M.|date=2011-10-01|title=The Ecotoxicology of Plastic Marine Debris|journal=The American Biology Teacher|volume=73|issue=8|pages=474–478|doi=10.1525/abt.2011.73.8.9|issn=0002-7685}}</ref>