The Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) is launching on Thursday (Aug. 14) the report titled Microplastics: A Complex and Urgent Problem. The document analyzes the effects of improper plastic disposal and proposes strategies to combat the tiny fragments that contaminate the environment, especially rivers and oceans.
According to the bibliographic survey, Brazil accounts for up to 190,000 tons of the total volume of waste in the marine environment each year. The estimated global plastic production is 400 million tons per year, of which less than 10% is recycled.
Approximately 80% of the plastic waste that reaches the sea worldwide comes from land-based activities – such as tourism, industry, unplanned urban occupation, and poor solid waste management. The other 20% comes from maritime activities – such as shipping and fishing.
“Combating microplastic pollution requires coordinated action between government, the productive sector, the scientific community, and society. National strategies must be reviewed and investments made in education, innovation, and regulation to protect human health and ecosystems,” said Helena Nader, president of the academy.
Once in the ocean, the waste is dispersed by tides, currents, and winds, causing a series of environmental, social, and economic impacts. It can be ingested by marine animals and other living beings in the marine food chain.
Microplastics are also found in human organs, posing health risks. Studies have detected microplastics in placentas and umbilical cords of pregnant women.
“We can no longer treat plastics as disposable. It is time to take responsibility for the full lifecycle of these materials, from production to disposal and recycling,” said Adalberto Luis Val, vice-president of the academy for Northern Brazil and coordinator of the working group on microplastics.
Strategies
To reduce the impact of this type of pollution, the researchers proposed six approaches:
• Governance – review the 2019 national plan to combat marine litter, strengthening the fight against microplastics; and strengthen the discussion and implementation of the treaty on plastic pollution.
• Science, technology, and innovation – increase investments in recycling in Brazil; reuse plastic products; and replace synthetic polymers with biodegradable polymers in disposable products.
• Promotion and funding – create mechanisms for assessing health risks and other initiatives to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution, such as using nanotechnology to boost reuse.
• Training – train waste pickers, formalize their work, and train elementary and high school teachers.
• Plastic cycle – seek changes in legislation on proper disposal and collection of plastic materials.
• Environmental education and communication – develop a government policy to encourage environmental education, especially for factory workers and business owners, as well as for agribusiness; and create a campaign on plastic disposal and recycling.
Source: Agência Brasil