The global threat from plastic pollution


Contact
matthew.macleod [ at ] aces.su.se

Abstract

Plastic pollution accumulating in an area of the environment is considered “poorly reversible” if natural mineralization processes occurring there are slow and engineered remediation solutions are improbable. Should negative outcomes in these areas arise as a consequence of plastic pollution, they will be practically irreversible. Potential impacts from poorly reversible plastic pollution include changes to carbon and nutrient cycles; habitat changes within soils, sediments, and aquatic ecosystems; co-occurring biological impacts on endangered or keystone species; ecotoxicity; and related societal impacts. The rational response to the global threat posed by accumulating and poorly reversible plastic pollution is to rapidly reduce plastic emissions through reductions in consumption of virgin plastic materials, along with internationally coordinated strategies for waste management.



Item Type
Article
Authors
Divisions
Primary Division
Programs
Primary Topic
Helmholtz Cross Cutting Activity (2021-2027)
N/A
Research Networks
Publication Status
Published
Eprint ID
54548
DOI 10.1126/science.abg5433

Cite as
MacLeod, M. , Arp, H. H. H. , Tekman, M. B. and Jahnke, A. (2021): The global threat from plastic pollution , Science, 373 , p. 61 . doi: 10.1126/science.abg5433


Share
Add to AnyAdd to TwitterAdd to FacebookAdd to LinkedinAdd to PinterestAdd to Email


Citation

Geographical region
N/A

Research Platforms

Campaigns
N/A

Funded by
Helmholtz infrastructure program FRAM (Frontiers in Arctic Marine Research)


Actions
Edit Item Edit Item