Unseen Dangers Lurk in Ecuador’s Waters and Air with Microplastics

As the world grapples with the escalating issue of waste generation, particularly the contamination stemming from both domestic and industrial sources, Ecuador finds itself at the crossroads of a burgeoning environmental crisis. The sharp rise in plastic production has led to its pervasive accumulation across the globe, significantly contributing to the bulk of municipal solid waste. The inherent qualities of plastics, such as their durability, low manufacturing costs, and versatility across temperatures, have ingrained them into the fabric of daily life. Yet, the very attributes that make plastics appealing also underscore a growing environmental dilemma. Their stubborn persistence in the environment, slowly fragmenting into ever smaller pieces, disperses through air, soil, and water, creating a network of pollution that spans across ecosystems. The situation took a turn for the worse with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a marked increase in the use of single-use plastics, further straining already mismanaged waste systems in many regions, including Latin America and, by extension, Ecuador.

Gabriela Yánez-Jácome, David Romero-Estévez, and Pamela Vélez-Terreros, researchers at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador, delve into this pressing issue in a comprehensive review published in Heliyon. Findings reveal the widespread presence of MPs across Ecuador’s ecosystems, from coastal waters to the air we breathe, implicating everything from food to drinking water. Identifying the already significant challenge posed by inadequate waste management systems.

Gabriela Yánez-Jácome highlights, “The pervasive distribution of microplastics has been confirmed in various components of the Ecuadorian environment.” This research points out that the accumulation of MPs poses significant risks to marine life and terrestrial ecosystems, indicating an urgent need for action. David Romero-Estévez emphasizes, “Effective management strategies are imperative to mitigate the adverse effects of MPs on the environment and human health.” Improvements in waste management and wastewater treatment are critical steps towards addressing this issue.

Furthermore, Pamela Vélez-Terreros argues for the importance of public education on the matter: “Raising public awareness about the sources and dangers of MPs can significantly contribute to reducing their environmental impact.” The study suggests that informed communities are better equipped to participate in sustainability efforts and adopt eco-friendly practices.

The extensive distribution of MPs in aquatic and terrestrial environments, including air, water, sediment, and marine organisms, indicates the different pathways for MP exposure such as food products and drinking water. This exposure can result in various human health effects from ingestion or inhalation. The complexity of MPs’ chemical characteristics and their interaction with toxic contaminants underscores the potential effects on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, biota, and human health, necessitating further research worldwide. In Ecuador, specifically, the establishment of wastewater treatment plants in major cities, continuous monitoring of MP coastal contamination, and the development of environmental and food safety regulations are crucial. National authorities must also develop programs to raise public awareness of the problems related to plastic use and the MP-related effects on the environment and human health.  National authorities must encourage research on MPs to develop strategies and control these emerging pollutants.

JOURNAL REFERENCE

Vélez-Terreros, P.Y., Romero-Estévez, D., & Yanez-Jácome, G.S. (2024). ‘Microplastics in Ecuador: A review of environmental and health-risk assessment challenges’. Heliyon, 10, e23232. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23232.

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