Filling in the knowledge gap: Observing MacroPlastic litter in South Africa's rivers

Moss, Kerry; Allen, Deonie; González-Fernández, Daniel; Allen, Steve

doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111876

Cited by 26 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…Due to lax regulations and improvements to its economy, Africa is also contributing to the rise in plastic pollution [39]. Poor management of plastic waste can be observed in almost all African countries: in most sub-Saharan African countries, it is over 80% [40], except South Africa (54%). In Mauritania, the rate is 82%; in Egypt, 67%; in Morocco, 66%; in Tunisia, 60%; in Algeria, 58%; and in Libya, the lowest, at 23% [24].…”

Section: Recycling Ratementioning

confidence: 99%

An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa

Moyen Massa,

Archodoulaki

2024

Sustainability

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Plastic waste pollution is currently one of the main items on international agendas. It leads to more and more leakages and constitutes a dangerous threat to living beings and the ecosystem (toxic substances). Globally, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled, while 22% of it is mismanaged. A large part of this waste ends up legally or illegally in Africa. This article uses the available data on plastic waste to shed light on the situation in Africa. Particular attention is paid to imports of plastics and the recycling sector, as well as ways to combat improper dumping and to prevent/reduce marine pollution (microplastics). The roles and responsibilities of actors and institutions in Africa will be discussed. It is urgent for the international community, in cooperation with the local plastic/textile industries, to establish an effective and well-structured collection system for plastic and textile waste. This will help maximize the collection rate and minimize landfills through recycling. It is also necessary to encourage both the plastic and textile industries to opt for product designs that use easily recyclable materials (eco-design), and this option is crucial.

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Section: Recycling Ratementioning

confidence: 99%

An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa

Moyen Massa,

Archodoulaki

2024

Sustainability

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“…% Lahens et al, 2018;Lebreton et al, 2019;Gallitelli et al, 2020;Liro et al, 2020;van Emmerik et al, 2020b;Winton et al, 2020;Nihei et al, 2020;Bucci et al, 2020;Al-Zawaidah et al, 2021;Roebroek et al, 2021;Earn et al, 2021;. In addition, few authors used the >2.5 cm standard, also indicated by European large project on riverine MA monitoring, such as the RIMMEL project (see Lippiatt et al, 2013;Cheshire 2009;EC JRC (2016a); GESAMP 2016; Wagner et al, 2014;Blettler et al, 2017;Blettler et al, 2018;González-Fernández et al, 2021;Moss et al, 2021). Moreover, some literature call mesoplastics (0.5 cm < ME < 2.5 cm, sensu Lippiatt et al, 2013) which instead is considered macroplastics by other authors (MA > 0.5 cm, sensu Arthur et al, 2018;Barnes et al, 2009;Thompson et al, 2009;Liro et al, 2020;.…”

Section: Ma Quantitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Riverine macroplastic gradient along watercourses: A global overview

Gallitelli

Scalici

2022

Front. Environ. Sci.

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Nowadays, plastics represent growing concern in aquatic habitats, harming more and more both ecosystem and human health. Since rivers are the main carriers of plastics to the sea, some studies were conducted on the transport of overall small plastics, but observations on big plastics (i.e., macroplastics) in rivers are poorly reported in the literature. Although most studies focused on plastic transport in the lower part of the rivers, research on the upper and middle zones are completely lacking. In this regard, this could influence the transport of plastics to the sea, with insights into the source and origin of macroplastics. Here, we aimed at overviewing macroplastic distribution along rivers, emphasizing on the global riverine plastic hotspot areas. First, 1) we analyzed and discussed the bibliometric analysis on macroplastics in rivers providing a framework for plastic pollution management. second, 2) we provided geographical insights into macroplastics by mapping global riverine plastic hotspot areas. Then, 3) we analyzed the main factors affecting macroplastic distribution and accumulation in rivers. Furthermore, 4) we assessed crucial gaps in riverine macroplastic accumulation, highlighting the importance of a plastic gradient in the horizontal transport along the entire river course (i.e., three river zones). Then, 5) we highlighted the lack of standardization regarding macroplastic size, concentration, and polymers that does not allow valuable comparisons among studies. At the end, 6) we concluded by providing future perspectives and conclusions on macroplastic distribution and accumulation in rivers worldwide. Our results might provide new insights into a comprehensive framework of macroplastic distribution along global rivers, suggesting the river rod approach as a way for future monitoring as all the complete course of a river plays a pivotal role in accumulating macroplastics.

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Introduction to Marine Litter in Africa

Preston-Whyte

Maes

2022

The African Marine Litter Outlook

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SummaryWhat to expect from the African Marine Litter Outlook? The African Marine Litter Outlook provides an overview of marine litter from the African perspective. The Outlook covers: Marine Litter Sources and Distribution Pathways (Chap. 2), Impacts and Threats of Marine Litter in African Seas (Chap. 3), Legal and Policy Frameworks to address Marine Litter through Improved Livelihoods (Chap. 4), and The Way Forward, Building up from on-the-Ground Innovation (Chap. 5). This chapter provides the context for marine litter in Africa from a global and regional standpoint. This chapter introduces the concept of marine litter, the importance of the ocean, and the value of the Blue Economy in Africa. The uncertainties created by COVID-19 and its effects on future projections of marine litter are also summarised in this chapter.

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Filling in the knowledge gap: Observing MacroPlastic litter in South Africa's rivers

Cited by 26 publications

References 48 publications

An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa

An Imported Environmental Crisis: Plastic Mismanagement in Africa

Riverine macroplastic gradient along watercourses: A global overview

Introduction to Marine Litter in Africa

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