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.
The paper studies the microplastic abundances and characteristics in the Southern Jiangsu Canal to reveal the effect of riverside cities on microplastics in river water. The results show that the microplastic abundance in the water body of the South Jiangsu Canal ranges from 3.41 to 19.07 particles L−1, with an average of 9.59 ± 3.95[…]
This paper reveals the status of microplastic pollution in paddy soil with long-term mulching. The study investigates the distribution and weathering characteristics of filmy microplastics in a mulched paddy field (non-mulched, four years of mulched, and ten years of continuous mulched soil were investigated) in Southwest China. The filmy microplastics accumulated annually in the plough[…]
The paper reviews advancements in polymer technologies that aim to improve the efficiency of recycling and upcycling plastic waste. Increasing the rate of recycling and upcycling is critical for addressing the issues caused by plastic pollution, and, at the same time, overcoming the technical limitations on the same. The research emphasises the need to develop[…]
The study analyses the current advancements in the behavioural differences between MPs and NPs in urban waters. Analytical challenges, fate, interactions with surrounding pollutants, and eco-impacts of MPs and NPs are similarly discussed in this paper. It has been highlighted in the study that the characterization and fate studies of NPs are more challenging as[…]
The study investigates scientifically evidence-based policy initiatives for targeting plastic pollution. The issue of plastic pollution is complex and still related to several uncertainties, which implies that policy initiatives must allow for flexibility and ongoing evaluations to adjust to the evolving knowledge generation. It is also important that the scientific community provide the needed research[…]