Microplastics in the environment: An urgent need for coordinated waste management policies and strategies

Amesho KTT 1 , Chinglenthoiba C 2 , Samsudin MSAB 3 , Lani MN 4 , Pandey A 5 , Desa MNM 6 Show all authors , Suresh V 7

Affiliations 

  • 1 Institute of Environmental Engineering, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan; Center for Emerging Contaminants Research, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan; The International University of Management, Centre for Environmental Studies, Main Campus, Dorado Park Ext 1, Windhoek, Namibia; Destinies Biomass Energy and Farming Pty Ltd, P.O. Box 7387, Swakopmund, Namibia. Electronic address: [email protected]
  • 2 School of Materials Science and Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, Kozhikode, India; Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore
  • 3 Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
  • 4 Faculty of Fisheries and Food Science, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia; Microplastic Research Interest Group (MRIG), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia. Electronic address: [email protected]
  • 5 Institute for Water and Wastewater Technology, Durban University of Technology, 19 Steve Biko Road, Durban 4000, South Africa; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Science and Technology, AKS University, Satna, Madhya Pradesh, 485001, India. Electronic address: [email protected]
  • 6 Halal Products Research Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 7 Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, 117543, Singapore. Electronic address: [email protected]
J Environ Manage, 2023 Oct 15;344:118713.
PMID: 37567004 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.118713

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) have become a prevalent environmental concern, exerting detrimental effects on marine and terrestrial ecosystems, as well as human health. Addressing this urgent issue necessitates the implementation of coordinated waste management policies and strategies. In this study, we present a comprehensive review focusing on key results and the underlying mechanisms associated with microplastics. We examine their sources and pathways, elucidate their ecological and human health impacts, and evaluate the current state of waste management policies. By drawing upon recent research and pertinent case studies, we propose a range of practical solutions, encompassing enhanced recycling and waste reduction measures, product redesign, and innovative technological interventions. Moreover, we emphasize the imperative for collaboration and cooperation across sectors and jurisdictions to effectively tackle this pressing environmental challenge. The findings of this study contribute to the broader understanding of microplastics and provide valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders alike.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

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