Original paper
Plastics in aquatic environments – Results of an international survey
Stock, Friederike; Kochleus, Christian; Spira, Denise; Brennholt, Nicole; Bänsch-Baltruschat, Beate; Demuth, Siegfried; Reifferscheid, Georg
Fundamental and Applied Limnology Volume 194 Nr. 1 (2020), p. 67 - 76
62 references
published: Aug 28, 2020
published online: Jul 23, 2019
manuscript accepted: Jul 1, 2019
manuscript revision received: Jun 21, 2019
manuscript revision requested: Jul 20, 2018
manuscript received: Apr 17, 2018
ArtNo. ESP141019401007, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
Plastic pollution in the aquatic environment has recently gained worldwide attention. Meanwhile, intensive research activities have been initiated in this environment; however, the effects and consequences of the plastic pollution are not fully known and have to be better understood. To facilitate information exchange between different global regions, the German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG) and the International Centre for Water Resources and Global Change (ICWRGC) organized a Summer School entitled "Plastics in Marine and Freshwater Environments” in July 2017. In preparation for the course, a questionnaire was sent to all participants coming from Asia (India, Philippines), Africa (Egypt, Liberia, Nigeria, South Africa), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico), and East, South and Southeast Europe (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Italy, Romania, Russia (European part), Serbia, Slovenia). The outcomes of this survey and discussions during the Summer School concerning micro- and macroplastics, especially in rivers and the oceans, reveal that countries are aware of the problem and that first measures have been conducted, especially initiated by Non-Governmental Organizations and authorities. In general, few data are available regarding plastics in rivers and the disposal into the oceans. However, the issue has progressively permeated whole society’s awareness of the importance of education as a key element in solving the plastic problem. The majority of the countries include the subject already in the curriculum of primary schools. Moreover, regulations exist, especially regarding waste, but have to be better implemented and enhanced.
Keywords
synthetic polymers • monitoring • effect studies • risk perception • management options • questionnaire