This study investigates the microplastic drift from the Mekong River to Southeast Asia and the most exposed coastlines. Potential factors such as wind drift, rivers, vertical mixing, and sinking rates that affect plastic drift in the region were identified using the OpenDrift model with realistic wind and ocean currents for simulations between three months (summer and winter) and 15 months. The analysis revealed that seasonal drift is influenced by the monsoon systems and that most of the plastic gets stranded in the Philippines and Indonesia. In addition, vertical mixing and sinking rates are unknowns that affect the relative importance of wind drift (near the surface) and ocean currents. The plastic distribution was found to have large uncertainties but is seasonal and influenced by wind, vertical mixing, river discharge, and sinking rates. The Philippines and Indonesia were found to have coastlines that are most exposed to plastic pollution from the Mekong River. This study also shows that simulations of marine plastic drift are very variable, depending on many factors and assumptions. However, it provides more detailed information on marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia and can help the concerned authorities take more practical actions.
This paper characterizes the fungal and bacterial colonizers of 5 types of plastic films (High-Density Polyethylene, Low-Density Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polystyrene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate) throughout a 242-day incubation in the south-eastern Mediterranean and relates them to the chemical changes observed on the surface of the samples via ATR-FTIR. Neither bacterial nor fungal community structures were related[…]
This paper provides insights into the sustainable alternatives that can replace conventional plastic mulches, such as biodegradable mulches made from natural fibers and biopolymers. The microscopic and FTIR analyses conducted during the study showed the degradation of the fibers from the mulches during the exposure time to a certain extent. The nonwoven mulches provide higher[…]
This paper investigates the degradation of biodegradable polybutylene adipate terephthalate/polylactic acid (PBAT/PLA) and traditional polyethylene (PE) plastic under two typical abiotic conditions: ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and mechanical abrasion (MA) for up to nine months. The quantitative analysis of the degradation products was carried out using membrane filtration and total organic carbon determination (MF-TOCD). The results[…]
This paper identifies technological innovation, policy formulation, advocacy and sensitization, and bioremediation as some of the approaches that are currently used for the mitigation of plastic pollution in Nigeria. This chapter also highlights the need to encourage, enhance, and disseminate scientific research on mitigating the harmful effects of plastic pollution in Nigeria. It concluded with[…]
This review provides insights into the sources of microplastics, the ecotoxicity of microplastics, and the impact microplastics have on aquatic and marine life, management, and bioremediation of microplastics. Policies and strategies adopted by the government to combat microplastic pollution are also discussed in this review. Microplastics tend to accumulate in many aquatic systems, contaminate them,[…]