What is marine debris primarily composed of?

Marine debris is primarily composed of plastics and trash, which have become significant environmental pollutants in oceans and waterways. This type of debris includes discarded items such as plastic bottles, bags, fishing nets, and other synthetic materials that do not decompose easily. The prevalence of plastics in marine environments is a major concern because they can harm marine life, disrupt ecosystems, and accumulate in food chains.

Plastics are particularly problematic due to their durability and resistance to degradation. They can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, breaking down into smaller microplastics that are difficult to clean up and can be ingested by aquatic organisms. This accumulation of plastics not only affects marine wildlife but also raises health concerns for humans who consume seafood.

While food and water, natural materials, and metals and wood can enter marine environments, they do not constitute the primary make-up of marine debris. Natural materials typically decompose more quickly, while metals and wood are often part of other categories of waste and do not dominate the overall composition of marine debris. Thus, the correct understanding of marine debris focuses on the significant impact of plastics and trash in our water bodies.