Microplastic Pollution in the Changing Climate

The rate of microplastic build-up in our environment is a major concern to all stakeholders in the pursuit of environmental sustainability. Microplastic can adsorb and harbour other pollutants from the environment making them more harmful to aquatic life when ingested. The impact of microplastics affects the primary consumers of these polymers as well as secondary consumers and humans. Microplastics come from parent polymers such as high-density polyethene (HDPE), low-density polyethene (LDPE), cellophane, Polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PETE), nylon, polypropylene, polyurethane (PU) among others. This pollution has been impacted by changes in average weather conditions and long-term changes over time. The pattern of accumulation of this waste is dependent on the physical properties of the particular polymer in question, for instance, the density, crystallinity, biodegradability, and surface properties. The aging of microplastics can affect the soil biota leading to evolutionary consequences and greenhouse gas emissions. When compared with sea, ocean, and coastal pollution, terrestrial pollution is about 23-fold more than marine pollution. This chapter focused on the occurrence and the effect of microplastic on marine life and habitats across the African region as it relates to the changing climate. It also showed the distinction between the physical and chemical impact of these materials, and the biological effect over time on the marine ecosystem, especially remote areas. And succinctly pointed out the sources, abundance, and distribution pattern of the microplastics in the ecosystem.