1
|
Gündoğdu S, Bour A, Köşker AR, Walther BA, Napierska D, Mihai FC, Syberg K, Hansen SF, Walker TR. Review of microplastics and chemical risk posed by plastic packaging on the marine environment to inform the Global Plastics Treaty. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 946:174000. [PMID: 38901589 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Plastic overproduction and the resulting increase in consumption has made plastic pollution ubiquitous in all ecosystems. Recognizing this, the United Nations (UN) has started negotiations to establish a global treaty to end plastic pollution, especially in the marine environment. The basis of the treaty has been formulated in terms of turning off the tap, signaling the will to prevent plastic pollution at its source. Based on the distribution of plastic production by sector, the plastic packaging sector consumes the most plastic. The volume and variety of chemicals used in plastic packaging, most of which is single-use, is a major concern. Single-use plastics including packaging is one of the most dominant sources of plastic pollution. Plastic waste causes pollution in water, air and soil by releasing harmful chemicals into the environment and can also lead to exposure through contamination of food with micro- and nano-plastic particles and chemicals through packaging. Marine life and humans alike face risks from plastic uptake through bioaccumulation and biomagnification. While the contribution of plastics ingested to chemical pollution is relatively minor in comparison to other pathways of exposure, the effect of plastic waste on marine life and human consumption of seafood is beyond question. To reduce the long-term impact of plastic, it is crucial to establish a global legally binding instrument to ensure the implementation of upstream rather than downstream solutions. This will help to mitigate the impact of both chemicals and microplastics, including from packaging, on the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sedat Gündoğdu
- Cukurova University Faculty of Fisheries Department of Basic Science, 01330 Adana, Türkiye.
| | - Agathe Bour
- Dept. of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ali Rıza Köşker
- Cukurova University Faculty of Fisheries Department of Seafood Processing, 01330 Adana, Türkiye
| | - Bruno Andreas Walther
- Alfred-Wegener-Institut Helmholtz-Zentrum für Polar- und Meeresforschung, Am Handelshafen 12, D-27570 Bremerhaven, Germany
| | | | - Florin-Constantin Mihai
- CERNESIM Center, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, Institute of Interdisciplinary Research "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University, Carol I Blvd 11, 700506 Iași, Romania
| | - Kristian Syberg
- Dept. of Science and Environment, Roskilde University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Steffen Foss Hansen
- Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Bygningstorvet, Building 115, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Das N, Chowdhury GW, Siddique AB, Riya SC, Fazal MA, Sobhan F, Sarker S. The silent threat of plastics along the coastal frontiers of Bangladesh: Are we concerned enough? MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 205:116567. [PMID: 38875968 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Globally plastic pollution is posing a significant threat to the health and integrity of coastal ecosystems. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of plastic pollution in the coastal areas of Bangladesh by examining land-based macroplastic distribution, exploring microplastic (MP) contamination in the coastal aquatic ecosystem and enhancing our understanding of the potential risks associated with MP contamination. Citizen science based monitoring approach using the android application was applied to understand the land-based plastic pollution in the coastal area of Bangladesh. From December 2022 to December 2023, a total of about 3600 photographs of plastic items from 215 citizen scientists were received from the coastal area of Bangladesh covering 580 km long coast line. Polymer Hazard Index (PHI) and Pollution Load Index (PLI) were also calculated to understand the risk of plastic pollution in sediment, water, aquatic organism, dried fish and sea salt. A total of 43 land-based plastic items reported from the coastal area of Bangladesh. Among these plastic items single use items contributed 58.2 % while disposable plastic items contributed 41.8 %. A strong spatial variability in the distribution of these plastic items was observed. PHI and PLI values suggested hazard category-I for MP contamination in sediment, sea salt, water, commercial fishery resources and dry fish. This study highlighted that coastal land area, sea salt, dried fish, water, sediment and organisms are contaminated with plastics which might have the potential threats to human health. Findings from this study will serve as reference data and also baseline for future research to combat the plastic pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabanita Das
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | | | - Abu Bokkar Siddique
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Shashowti Chowdhury Riya
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Md Azizul Fazal
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Faisal Sobhan
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Subrata Sarker
- Department of Oceanography, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Oludoye OO, Supakata N. Breaking the plastic habit: Drivers of single-use plastic reduction among Thai university students. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299877. [PMID: 38722829 PMCID: PMC11081253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the decision-making dynamics for pro-environmental behavior among Thai university students, focusing on reducing the consumption of single-use plastics (SUP). By adopting a dynamic approach to the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research examined the influence of psychosocial factors, including attitudes, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms, on SUP reduction intention at different phases of behavior change. Using structural equation modelling, we analyzed quantitative data (n = 317) from the selected universities. The results revealed that attitudes predicted behavioral intentions only among individuals in the contemplation phase of reducing SUP. Attitudes had a small but limited influence on the behavioral intentions of students who had not yet acted. Perceived behavioral control, on the other hand, significantly impacted behavioral intentions across all phases of behavior change, highlighting its importance in SUP reduction. The study also confirmed subjective norms' positive influence on students' behavioral intentions in the pre-contemplation phase. Practical implications suggested segmenting residents based on their behavior change phase so that public policymakers can allocate resources more efficiently and effectively by tailoring campaigns to specific behavior change phases, ultimately promoting sustainable behavior among university students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oluseye O. Oludoye
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, United Kingdom
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nuta Supakata
- Department of Environmental Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Research Unit (RU) of Waste Utilization and Ecological Risk Assessment, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Doğdu G, Pekdemir T, Lakestani S, Karabörk Ş, Çavuş O. Hidden realities: Food waste from servings in mini size packaging. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2024; 173:141-151. [PMID: 37989013 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides data obtained from real-life measurement of the Food Waste (FW) associated with the services offering food in mini size (9-20 g) single-use packaging representing the impact of the difficulties in emptying the food from such packages and service characteristics. We collected discarded such food packages from commercial public eateries (a time-share thermal town, student canteen, and student refectory), quantified FW, and subjected data to statistical analysis regarding the eatery places, package characteristics, and food type. The results suggest that service style, packaging, and consumer wastefulness can cause 10-47 %, 3-11 %, and 5-37 % FW, respectively, indicating hidden part of the wastage iceberg from mini size food portions with vast implication on the food and relevant packaging sustainability. Regarding the packing, the dominant cause of FW is difficulties in emptying the food, such as the shape, size, depth, width, and material of the package. Concerning the consumer wastefulness, our measurements seem to imply that the groups with relatively higher affluency creates more FW. Our results will prove to be highly beneficial in both promoting efforts to raise awareness of not only consumers but also industry players and decision makers on the sustainability for food and relevant packaging material.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gamze Doğdu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Türkiye.
| | - Turgay Pekdemir
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Türkiye; Innovative Food Technologies Development Application and Research Centre, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Türkiye.
| | - Sanaz Lakestani
- Scientific Industrial and Technological Application and Research Centre, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Türkiye.
| | - Şeyda Karabörk
- Innovative Food Technologies Development Application and Research Centre, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Türkiye; Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Türkiye.
| | - Osman Çavuş
- Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, Faculty of Tourism, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, Bolu, Türkiye.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bayo J, López-Castellanos J, Olmos S, Rojo D. A holistic approach on the impact of microplastic discharge from WWTPs to the neighboring environment in Southeast Spain. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 244:120516. [PMID: 37651865 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the release of microplastics (MPs) from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to the neighboring environment, including marine and coastal sediments, and fish. Here, we comprehensively investigated MP abundance in 34 samples of marine sediment, corresponding to 5,530.5 g of sediment (d.w.) collected at -8.0 m, -12.5 m, and -24.0 m, 69 samples of coastal sediment, accounting for 13,617.4 g (d.w.) from 17 different beaches from Mar Menor, and stomach and intestine of 17 fish samples of Sparus aurata, in the vicinity of Cartagena, a port city in Southeast Spain. The results showed that MPs were detected in all marine sediment samples, with an average abundance of 19.4 ± 2.4 items/kg (d.w.), in coastal sediments, with an average abundance of 52.5 ± 5.3 items/kg (d.w.), and fish samples, with an average of 8.2 ± 1.4 items per individual. The contribution of MPs from WWTPs to marine sediments is expected to be slow, as effluents were mostly dominated by fiber and film shapes, and by polymers less dense than seawater. There were no significant variations in the MP abundance of marine sediments after the atmospheric phenomenon named DANA, although a significant smaller MP size was reported, indicating a high mobility for tiny sizes. The same results were revealed for coastal sediment, although variations after DANA were statistically significant. Coastal sediment samples closer to WWTPs and agricultural fields with plastic mulching displayed higher MP concentrations, and an increase in the removal rate of MPs from WWTP effluents was negatively correlated with a decrease in MPs from fish collected. This study highlights the importance of sewage treatment plants in transporting MPs to the aquatic and terrestrial surrounding environment, which warrants further research on human health risks associated to MP pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Bayo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44 E-30203, Cartagena, Spain.
| | - Joaquín López-Castellanos
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44 E-30203, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Sonia Olmos
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44 E-30203, Cartagena, Spain
| | - Dolores Rojo
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII 44 E-30203, Cartagena, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guo M, Wu L, Tan CL, Cheah JH, Aziz YA, Peng J, Chiu CH, Ren R. The impact of perceived risk of online takeout packaging and the moderating role of educational level. HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 10:221. [PMID: 37192947 PMCID: PMC10169167 DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-01732-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid development of e-commerce and the impact of COVID-19, online takeout has become the first choice of more and more consumers. Previous research has indicated that food packaging is of great significance to marketing performance, yet very little is known about the mechanisms through which food packaging pollution risk affects online takeout consumption. This study proposes an expanded model of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) by incorporating the Concept of Perceived Risk (CPR) to analyze the mechanism of consumers' packaging pollution risk perception (PPRP) on their purchasing intention toward online takeout. Online survey was performed to collect data from 336 valid respondents in China, which was analyzed using structural equation modeling. The research findings verify the effectiveness of the TPB in the context of Chinese online takeout. Notably, the PPRP of online takeout was found to have a significant negative impact on consumers' attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC). It was also confirmed that consumers' attitudes, subjective norms, and PBC regarding online takeout partially mediate the negative relationship between PPRP and purchase intention. In addition, the findings corroborate the granular nuances among three groups concerning consumers' education level. The results do not only provide suggestions to the online takeout industry but also contribute theoretical value and practical significance for the improvement of sustainable food consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meiwen Guo
- School of Management, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, China
- Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Penang Malaysia
- Entrepreneurship Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liang Wu
- School of Management, Guangzhou Xinhua University, Guangzhou, China
- Entrepreneurship Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Cheng Ling Tan
- Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia, George Town, Penang Malaysia
- Department of Information Technology & Management, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jun-Hwa Cheah
- Norwich Business School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Yuhanis Abdul Aziz
- School of Business and Economics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Jianping Peng
- School of Marxism, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Hung Chiu
- School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongwei Ren
- Entrepreneurship Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Business, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ali S, Bukhari DA, Rehman A. Call for biotechnological approach to degrade plastic in the era of COVID-19 pandemic. Saudi J Biol Sci 2023; 30:103583. [PMID: 36748033 PMCID: PMC9893805 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2023.103583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Plastic pollution is a global issue and has become a major concern since Coronavirus disease (COVID)-19. In developing nations, landfilling and illegal waste disposal are typical ways to dispose of COVID-19-infected material. These technologies worsen plastic pollution and other human and animal health problems. Plastic degrades in light and heat, generating hazardous primary and secondary micro-plastic. Certain bacteria can degrade artificial polymers using genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways. Microorganisms including bacteria degrade petrochemical plastics slowly. High molecular weight, strong chemical bonds, and excessive hydrophobicity reduce plastic biodegradation. There is not enough study on genes, enzymes, and bacteria-plastic interactions. Synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and bioinformatics methods have been created to biodegrade synthetic polymers. This review will focus on how microorganisms' degrading capacity can be increased using recent biotechnological techniques.
Collapse
Key Words
- BHET, bis(2-hydroxyethyl
- Bacteria
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, Coronavirus disease-19
- FTIR, Fourier-transform infrared
- HDPE, High-density polyethene
- LDPE, Low-density polyethene
- MHET, Mono(2-hydroxyethyl
- MP, Microplastics
- Microorganisms
- NP, Nanoplastics
- PE, Polyethene
- PES, Polyethylene succinate
- PET, Polyethylene terephthalate
- PP, Polypropylene
- PPE, Personal protective equipment
- PS, Polystyrene
- PVC, Polyvinyl chloride
- Plastic degradation
- Plastic pollution
- TCA, Tricarboxylic acid
- TPA, Terephthalic acid
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shakir Ali
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Dilara A. Bukhari
- Department of Zoology, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Abdul Rehman
- Institute of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, New Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan,Correspondence author at: Institute of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, New Campus, Lahore 54590, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fadare OO, Akinbile AA, Makinde OW, Ogundele KT, Ajagbe EF, Ilechukwu I. Spatiotemporal variations in marine litter along the Gulf of Guinea coastline, Araromi seaside, Nigeria. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 183:114048. [PMID: 35998524 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the seasonal variation in the magnitude of marine litter along the Gulf of Guinea coastline, Araromi seaside, Nigeria with a survey of twenty sampling sites. The total number of litter items collected was 29,029 comprising 7358 and 21,671 items in the dry and rainy season respectively. The average number of items per square meter was higher in the rainy season (1.80 ± 0.35) than in the dry season (0.61 ± 0.19). Plastic materials dominated the litter composition with 86 % and 91.8 % in the dry and rainy season respectively. The beach cleanliness assessed as clean coast index (CCI) depicted the beach as dirty (12.26 ± 3.74) during the dry season and extremely dirty (36.13 ± 6.91) in the rainy season. The hazardous item index (HII) also showed the coastline was littered with hazardous items. These results provide baseline data for marine litter management along the Gulf of Guinea coastlines and other coastlines in Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oluniyi O Fadare
- Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5892, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA; Microplastics Research Group (MRG), Division of Environmental and Earth Sciences, Center for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220001, Nigeria; Organization of African Academic Doctor (OAAD), Off Kamiti Road, PO Box 25305000100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Adewale A Akinbile
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Dagbolu-Akanran Ibadan Road, Ijebu-Igbo 120105, Nigeria
| | - Oladotun Wasiu Makinde
- Microplastics Research Group (MRG), Division of Environmental and Earth Sciences, Center for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220001, Nigeria
| | - K T Ogundele
- Microplastics Research Group (MRG), Division of Environmental and Earth Sciences, Center for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220001, Nigeria
| | - Eyitayo F Ajagbe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos 101212, Nigeria
| | - Ifenna Ilechukwu
- Graduate School of Engineering and Science, Department of Marine and Environmental Science, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara, Okinawa, Japan; Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Industrial Chemistry, Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Consumer Concern and Willingness to Pay for Plastic Alternatives in Food Service. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14105992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Plastic food service packaging represents a large source of plastic waste and marine debris. Currently, most food service business operators are resistant to changing to environmentally friendly alternatives due to perceived cost and loss of business due to passing these costs onto the consumer. To address these issues, we assessed the willingness of consumers to pay for plastic alternatives in both dine-in and takeout scenarios at restaurants in relation to levels of environmental concern, environmental identity, and demographics through a survey. Data were analyzed using a combination of descriptive statistics, regressions, and exploratory factor analyses. Of the 1371 survey responses, nearly 66% of respondents indicated they would be willing to pay 40 cents or more per person per meal at a restaurant for plastic alternatives and that this preference did not vary between dine-in and takeout scenarios. Additionally, education level and level of caring for the environment were the two most significant factors that increased willingness to pay for plastic alternatives.
Collapse
|
10
|
Baxter L, Lucas Z, Walker TR. Evaluating Canada's single-use plastic mitigation policies via brand audit and beach cleanup data to reduce plastic pollution. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 176:113460. [PMID: 35217426 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Single-use plastics (SUPs) represent a major threat to marine environments and require proactive policies to reduce consumption and mismanagement. Many SUP management strategies exist to reduce SUP use and mitigate environmental impacts, including extended producer responsibility (EPR), deposit-return schemes, SUP bans or taxes, and public outreach and education. This study analyzed brand audit and beach cleanup data in four densely populated Canadian cities (Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, Halifax) and a remote island (Sable Island) to determine efficacy of ongoing SUP mitigation measures. Cities were found to have similar litter type proportions, and six brands were found to disproportionally contribute to Canadian SUP litter, comprising 39% of branded litter collected. Results confirm that current Canadian SUP management appears to be insufficient to address leakage of SUPs into the environment. Recommendations to strengthen SUP management strategies and mitigate plastic pollution are recommended to improve future Canadian SUP reduction policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Baxter
- Marine Affairs Program, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.
| | - Zoe Lucas
- Sable Island Institute, P.O. Box 11, Halifax Central, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 2L4, Canada
| | - Tony R Walker
- School for Resource and Environmental Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| |
Collapse
|