The marine plastic pollution levels in Southeast Asia are among the highest in the world. To develop mitigation measures in the region, we must increase our understanding of the impacts and risks of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems and their essential functions. In a collaborative effort, an interdisciplinary, international group of experts from Australia, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam developed a research agenda for marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia, synthesised current knowledge and identified areas for further research. The inductive method was used to identify 21 research questions under five nonpredefined key themes, which were grouped according to the following: (1) describe marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia; (2) analyze its movement and fate in the region; (3) describe the biological and chemical modifications marine plastic pollution undergoes; (4) describe its economic, social, and environmental impacts; and (5) identify possible solutions for regional policies. These research priority areas highlight the importance of better understanding the fate and degradation of marine plastic pollution, as well as the impacts and risks it may pose to communities and ecosystems. Having a thorough understanding of these aspects will assist in supporting actions that are currently hindered by transborder problems, a lack of responsibility, and inaction to tackle the issue at its source within the region. As a profoundly affected region by marine plastic pollution, Southeast Asian countries provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the effectiveness of both high-tech and low-tech solutions, and to share insights and actionable models with the rest of the world concerning innovative and socially inclusive changes in marine plastic governance.
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,[…]