Microplastics: A Review of Policies and Responses

Abstract

Although (micro)plastic contamination is a worldwide concern, most scientific literature only restates that issue rather than presenting strategies to cope with it. This critical review assembles the current knowledge on policies and responses to tackle plastic pollution, including peer-reviewed scientific literature, gray literature and relevant reports to provide: (1) a timeline of policies directly or indirectly addressing microplastics; (2) the most up-to-date upstream responses to prevent microplastics pollution, such as circular economy, behavioral change, development of bio-based polymers and market-based instruments as well as source-specific strategies, focusing on the clothing industry, tire and road wear particles, antifouling paints and recreational activities; (3) a set of downstream responses tackling microplastics, such as waste to energy, degradation, water treatment plants and litter clean-up strategies; and examples of (4) multifaceted responses focused on both mitigating and preventing microplastics pollution, e.g., approaches implemented in fisheries and aquaculture facilities. Preventive strategies and multifaceted responses are postulated as pivotal to handling the exacerbated release of microplastics in the environment, while downstream responses stand out as auxiliary strategies to the chief upstream responses. The information gathered here bridges the knowledge gaps on (micro)plastic pollution by providing a synthesized baseline material for further studies addressing this environmental issue.

Macro and microplastic pollution in Romania: addressing knowledge gaps and potential solutions under the circular economy framework

“…as well as a close collaboration with all interested parties related to this type of risk. The major directions of action are composed of (i) upstream potential responses, namely the ones for microplastic pollution prevention or reduction of microplastic use, and emissions, and (ii) downstream ones, i.e ., those for microplastic pollution mitigation or capture of microplastics, followed by their controlled disposal ( Munhoz et al, 2022 ). However, the European Commission (2023) clearly emphasized the fact that the current legislation lacks a comprehensive approach.…”

When microplastics meet electroanalysis: future analytical trends for an emerging threat

“…In view of the above, many countries have been considering the regulation of the use of MPs, which are intentionally incorporated in the formulations of products such as cosmetics, fertilizers and paints. The European Union has called for the presentation of evidence on the damage caused to the ecosystem by MPs, 33 with the aim of discussing new regulations and restrictions on single-use MPs 34 and even the promotion of global treaties that would facilitate the inclusion of MPs in the list of regulated substances. 32,35 In order to implement regulations, standardisation protocols for sampling, extraction and cleaning in regard to the treatment of MPs present in different matrices are mandatory.…”

Microplastic Ingestion in Aquatic Animals in South East Asia

“…Before being used as food, aquatic and terrestrial species must be examined. Future sustainable development objectives can be attained if microplastic levels are decreased [34].…”