Journal of Ecology and Toxicology
Open Access

How plastic pollution causing climate change: A case study of first marine protected area of Pakistan (Astola Island)

Astola Island is the first marine protected area of Pakistan
acknowledged on June 15, 2017. This is also known
as Jazeera Haft Taller (Island of seven hills). It covers an
area of 6.7km2 in width, 240 feet high above sea level
and buffer zone of 401.47 km2. It is a rich biodiversity
hotspot, inhabiting endangered species like Green turtle,
Hawksbill turtle, and Arabian Humpback whale. It
is the home of a variety of birds e.g. Lars hemprichii, Artic
Skua, Sooty gull and almatian pelican. A saw-scaled
Russell’s viper is endemic to Island. Marine ecology of
Astola Island is affected by plastic pollution resulting in
coral destruction, global warming, climate change, water
pollution, and coastal erosion. Astola is uninhabited
offshore largest island due to high tides and fishing-off
Season Island remains unpopulated mostly from June to
August. Due to different reasons plastic converted into
micro plastics. Environmental micro plastics are a complex
cocktail of toxicants which transfer the plastic associated
chemicals to humans. Ingestion of microplastic by
aquatic organisms released plastic associated chemicals
into animal’s gut and subsequently transfers to aquatic
food web. Plastic pollution is not just an oceans issue but
it’s a climate issue. In this case study find microplastic
level in the soil sediments and water samples of Astola
Island. The collection of plastic waste was also done from
Astola Island and then converted into different product
like oil, char and gas in the pilot scale pyrolysis reactor.

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