Challenges and opportunities in sustainable management of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment

Sarkar, B. and Dissanayake, P.D. and Bolan, N.S. and Dar, J.Y. and Kumar, M. and Haque, M.N. and Mukhopadhyay, R. and Ramanayaka, S. and Biswas, J.K. and Tsang, D.C.W. and Rinklebe, J. and Ok, Y.S. (2022) Challenges and opportunities in sustainable management of microplastics and nanoplastics in the environment. Environmental Research, 207: 112179. ISSN 0013-9351

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Abstract

The accumulation of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has raised concerns because of their adverse effects on ecosystem functions and human health. Plastic waste management has become a universal problem in recent years. Hence, sustainable plastic waste management techniques are vital for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Although many reviews have focused on the occurrence and impact of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs), there has been limited focus on the management of MNPs. This review first summarizes the ecotoxicological impacts of plastic waste sources and issues related to the sustainable management of MNPs in the environment. This paper then critically evaluates possible approaches for incorporating plastics into the circular economy in order to cope with the problem of plastics. Pollution associated with MNPs can be tackled through source reduction, incorporation of plastics into the circular economy, and suitable waste management. Appropriate infrastructure development, waste valorization, and economically sound plastic waste management techniques and viable alternatives are essential for reducing MNPs in the environment. Policymakers must pay more attention to this critical issue and implement appropriate environmental regulations to achieve environmental sustainability.

Item Type:

Journal Article

Journal or Publication Title:

Environmental Research

Additional Information:

This is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Environmental Research. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Environmental Research, 207, 2022 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.112179

Uncontrolled Keywords:

/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2300/2304

Subjects:

?? micro- and nanoplastics (mnps)circular economyecotoxicological effectsplastic pollutionsustainable waste managementenvironmental chemistrypollutionwaste management and disposalbiochemistrygeneral environmental scienceenvironmental science(all) ??

Departments:

Faculty of Science and Technology > Lancaster Environment Centre

ID Code:

161814

Deposited By:

ep_importer_pure

Deposited On:

03 Nov 2021 20:32

Refereed?:

Yes

Published?:

Published

Last Modified:

15 Oct 2024 23:22

URI:

https://eprints.lancs.ac.uk/id/eprint/161814