Final answer:
Polymers are large molecules that can be natural or synthetic, like plastics. Plastics persist in the environment, causing pollution, affecting marine life and humans, and are not readily biodegradable. The process of making plastics is called polymerization.
Step-by-step explanation:
What are polymers and the impact of plastics on the environment?
Polymers are large molecules composed of repeating structural units known as monomers. They can be either natural, like starch and proteins, or synthetic, such as polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polystyrene. Synthetic polymers are widely used due to their versatility and are commonly known as plastics.
The process of making plastics is called polymerization. There are different types of polymerization, including addition and condensation polymerization, to produce various types of plastics.
It is estimated that around 8 million metric tons of plastic leaks into the ocean each year, contributing to environmental pollution. The largest ocean garbage patch, known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, consists of a high concentration of plastics and other debris caught in the ocean currents.
Biodegradable materials are those that can be broken down by biological processes. While some plastics are designed to be biodegradable, most common plastics are not, due to their chemical structure that resists decomposition. Plastics can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.
Fish that ingest plastics can develop a variety of problems including intestinal blockage, toxicity from ingested pollutants, and altered feeding behavior due to the false sensation of being full.
Humans are affected by plastics in the ocean as they can enter the food chain, release harmful chemicals, and disrupt ecosystems. Moreover, microplastics can accumulate toxins that may end up in seafood consumed by people.
The first country to ban single-use plastic bags was Bangladesh in 2002.
Despite the oxidation of plastics being a spontaneous process, their persistence in the environment is due to their high stability and resistance to degradation, which prevents them from breaking down easily.