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Solutions and Integrated Strategies for the Control and Mitigation of Plastic and Microplastic Pollution

Author

Listed:
  • Joana C. Prata

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Ana L. Patrício Silva

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • João P. da Costa

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Catherine Mouneyrac

    (Mer Molécules Sante (MMS), Université Catholique de l’Ouest, 3 place André Leroy, BP10808, 49008 Angers CEDEX 01, France)

  • Tony R. Walker

    (School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada)

  • Armando C. Duarte

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Teresa Rocha-Santos

    (Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM) & Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

Plastic pollution is generated by the unsustainable use and disposal of plastic products in modern society, threatening economies, ecosystems, and human health. Current clean-up strategies have attempted to mitigate the negative effects of plastic pollution but are unable to compete with increasing quantities of plastic entering the environment. Thus, reducing inputs of plastic to the environment must be prioritized through a global multidisciplinary approach. Mismanaged waste is a major land-based source of plastic pollution that can be reduced through improvements in the life-cycle of plastics, especially in production, consumption, and disposal, through an Integrated Waste Management System. In this review paper, we discuss current practices to improve life cycle and waste management of plastics that can be implemented to reduce health and environmental impacts of plastics and reduce plastics pollution. Ten recommendations for stakeholders to reduce plastic pollution include (1) regulation of production and consumption; (2) eco-design; (3) increasing the demand for recycled plastics; (4) reducing the use of plastics; (5) use of renewable energy for recycling; (6) extended producer responsibility over waste; (7) improvements in waste collection systems; (8) prioritization of recycling; (9) use of bio-based and biodegradable plastics; and (10) improvement in recyclability of e-waste.

Suggested Citation

  • Joana C. Prata & Ana L. Patrício Silva & João P. da Costa & Catherine Mouneyrac & Tony R. Walker & Armando C. Duarte & Teresa Rocha-Santos, 2019. "Solutions and Integrated Strategies for the Control and Mitigation of Plastic and Microplastic Pollution," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-19, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:13:p:2411-:d:246292
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Qamar Schuyler & Connie Ho & Fariba Ramezani, 2022. "Standards as a Tool for Reducing Plastic Waste," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-8, August.
    2. Thi Thanh Thuy Phan & Van Viet Nguyen & Hong Thi Thu Nguyen & Chun-Hung Lee, 2022. "Integrating Citizens’ Importance-Performance Aspects into Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in Danang, Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-17, August.
    3. Sun, Mengyuan & Chen, Wen & Lapen, David R. & Ma, Bin & Lu, Peina & Liu, Jinghui, 2023. "Effects of ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching combining with various urea types on water productivity and yield of potato in a dryland farming system," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    4. Jolanta Dąbrowska & Marcin Sobota & Małgorzata Świąder & Paweł Borowski & Andrzej Moryl & Radosław Stodolak & Ewa Kucharczak & Zofia Zięba & Jan K. Kazak, 2021. "Marine Waste—Sources, Fate, Risks, Challenges and Research Needs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-17, January.
    5. Shahida Anusha Siddiqui & Adriano Profeta & Thomas Decker & Sergiy Smetana & Klaus Menrad, 2023. "Influencing Factors for Consumers’ Intention to Reduce Plastic Packaging in Different Groups of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods in Germany," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-21, May.
    6. Linda Mederake & Doris Knoblauch, 2019. "Shaping EU Plastic Policies: The Role of Public Health vs. Environmental Arguments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(20), pages 1-18, October.
    7. Pongsiri Julapong & Jiraphon Ekasin & Pattaranun Katethol & Palot Srichonphaisarn & Onchanok Juntarasakul & Apisit Numprasanthai & Carlito Baltazar Tabelin & Theerayut Phengsaart, 2022. "Agglomeration–Flotation of Microplastics Using Kerosene as Bridging Liquid for Particle Size Enlargement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-8, November.
    8. Jay N. Meegoda & Mala C. Hettiarachchi, 2023. "A Path to a Reduction in Micro and Nanoplastics Pollution," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-13, April.
    9. repec:eur:ejnmjr:63 is not listed on IDEAS

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