Management strategy and mitigation measures for plastic pollution

Wai Chin LI, Ho Man LEUNG

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapters

Abstract

Numerous plastics is reported worldwide, for instance, on the beach and beach sediment, surface water or seafloor. Because of its durability, plastic can persist and accumulate in the marine environment and pose a risk to the marine organisms and the humans. Over 800 species and 87,000 individuals including seabirds, seals, whales, sea turtles, invertebrates, and fishes suffer from plastic ingestion. Large plastics such as discarded fishing materials, packing materials and ropes and net cause plastic entanglement to marine vertebrate species. The potential harmful effects to humans include generating reactive oxygen species in human liver cells adversely affecting epithelial cell function and physiological processes. The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly increases the single-use plastic products, especially in Asian countries, which worsens the problem of plastic pollution. In response to these emergent problems, mitigation measures, including the use of different recycling methods, such as thermal, chemical, and biological recycling are recommended to address plastic pollution issues. Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMicroplastic contamination in aquatic environments: An emerging matter of environmental urgency
EditorsEddy Y. ZENG
Place of PublicationNetherlands
PublisherElsevier
Pages399-419
EditionSecond
ISBN (Print)9780443153327
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Citation

Li, W. C., & Leung, H. M. (2024). Management strategy and mitigation measures for plastic pollution. In E. Y. Zeng (Ed.), Microplastic contamination in aquatic environments: An emerging matter of environmental urgency (2nd ed., pp. 399-419). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-443-15332-7.00002-8

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