Plastic Pollution: A Perspective on Matters Arising: Challenges and Opportunities

  • Austine Ofondu Chinomso Iroegbu
  • , Suprakas Sinha Ray
  • , Vuyelwa Mbarane
  • , João Carlos Bordado
  • , José Paulo Sardinha

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

193 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Plastic pollution is a persistent challenge worldwide with the first reports evidencing its impact on the living and nonliving components of the environment dating back more than half a century. The rising concerns regarding the immediate and long-term consequences of plastic matter entrainment into foods and water cannot be overemphasized in light of our pursuit of sustainability (in terms of food, water, environment, and our health). Hence, some schools of thought recommend the revisitation and continuous assessment of the plastic economy, while some call for the outright ban of plastic materials, demonstrating that plastic pollution requires, more than ever, renewed, innovative, and effective approaches for a holistic solution. In this paper, dozens of reports on various aspects of plastic pollution assessment are collated and reviewed, and the impact of plastic pollution on both the living and nonliving components of the environment is discussed. Current challenges and factors hindering efforts to mitigate plastic pollution are identified to inform the presented recommendations while underscoring, for policymakers, stakeholders, and the scientific community, the exigency of finding sustainable solutions to plastic pollution that not only encompass existing challenges but also future threats presented by plastic pollution.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19343-19355
Number of pages13
JournalACS Omega
Volume6
Issue number30
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Aug 2021

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being
  2. SDG 17 - Partnerships for the Goals
    SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Plastic Pollution: A Perspective on Matters Arising: Challenges and Opportunities'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this