Microplastics, Contaminants, and Waste Hotspots: Divergences and Faults in Prioritizing Control Efforts

Authors: Calixto de Lima RJ* and Coutinho R

DOI: 10.23880/ijoac-16000352

Volume 9, Issue 3

Abstract

No longer is it possible to get rid of contaminants, as fragments of plastics spread everywhere, with their micropollutants and microorganisms loads. Microplastics are currently classified as emerging contaminants due to their negative ecological or health effects. Governments demand clear and user-friendly information for decisions where they should address efforts to reduce plastic emissions, chemical pollutants and healthcare waste. A case study of Brazil was used to classify hotspots and priorities for intervention in relation to sources of plastic emissions. and mismanaged plastic waste along the coastline. Correlations between sources of emissions in the country's rivers and results of national beach cleanup campaigns appear divergent, but allow redirections, focusing on where pollution problems accumulate. However, this research also offers new perspectives and insights, moving away from the commonplace of merely a solid waste management problem. Fault Tree Analysis serves to verify the failures that result in microplastics as marine contaminants, to correct them and establish a Strategic Intervention Plan to reduce plastic pollution, even reformulate cleanup campaigns, for greater social benefits. We recommend that an International Fund should be essential to support least developed countries in implementing the guidelines from a Global Treaty on Plastics and their own internal tasks.

Keywords: Microplastics; Emerging Contaminants, Mismanaged Plastic Waste, Marine Plastic Litter Hotspots, Fault Tree Analysis

View PDF