The Brazilian Academy of Sciences (ABC) launches this Thursday (August 14) the report 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 is responsible for up to 190 thousand tons of the total volume of waste in the marine environment every year. The estimated global plastic production is 400 million tons per year, of which less than 10% is recycled.
About 80% of the world’s plastic waste that reaches the sea comes from land-based activities – such as tourism, industry, disordered urban occupation, and poor solid waste management. The other 20% comes from activities carried out at sea – such as maritime transport and fishing.
“Combating microplastic pollution requires coordinated action between government, the productive sector, the scientific community, and society. We need to review national strategies and invest in education, innovation, and regulation to protect human health and ecosystems,” said Helena Nader, president of the academy.
Upon reaching the ocean, the waste is dispersed by tides, currents, and winds, bringing a series of environmental, social, and economic impacts. They can be ingested by marine animals and other living beings in the marine food chain.
Microplastics are also found in human organs, which poses health risks. Studies have found microplastics in placentas and umbilical cords of pregnant women.
“We can no longer treat plastics as disposable. It’s time to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of these materials, from production to disposal and recycling,” said Adalberto Luis Val, vice-president of the academy for the North Region of 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.
• Support and financing – create mechanisms for health risk assessment and other initiatives to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution, such as the use of nanotechnology to boost reuse.
• Training – train waste pickers, formalize their work, and train elementary and secondary 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 workers and entrepreneurs, as well as for agribusiness; and create a campaign on plastic disposal and recycling.
Source: Agência Brasil