How Lost Sea Containers Are Quietly Polluting Oceans
A beach in England recently drew attention when it disappeared under 76-centimeter-high piles of French fries. It was from a shipping container that fell overboard during a storm. With about 80% of global trade carried out by sea, thousands of containers are lost each year, harming marine life. These metal intruders disrupt delicate ecosystems by releasing microplastics into the food chain. Even organic cargo, such as fries or bananas, can be dangerous because rotting material consumes oxygen in the water and suffocates nearby sea creatures.
J.K. Park Senior Reporter kids/1772584398/1613368179
1. What releases microplastics into the sea?
2. How many containers are lost annually?
3. Where did the French fries fall?
1. Why is the ocean very dirty?
2. Who can protect our sea life?
3. When do storms hit big ships?
A beach in England recently drew attention when it disappeared under 76-centimeter-high piles of French fries. It was from a shipping container that fell overboard during a storm. With about 80% of global trade carried out by sea, thousands of containers are lost each year, harming marine life. These metal intruders disrupt delicate ecosystems by releasing microplastics into the food chain. Even organic cargo, such as fries or bananas, can be dangerous because rotting material consumes oxygen in the water and suffocates nearby sea creatures.
