Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control

Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects and Control PDF

Author: Rahul Singh

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Published: 2023-09-22

Total Pages: 240

ISBN-13: 9815165119

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This book sheds light on the causes, effects, and control of microplastic pollution, providing valuable insights into the tools and techniques for analysis, the impact on ecosystems, and the potential risks to human well-being. The editors focus on the urgency of addressing this global environmental challenge through collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions. This reference features 10 edited chapters covering multiple aspects of microplastic pollution. The book introduces the reader to various tools and techniques used to analyze microplastic pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It then examines the sources, pathways, and levels of microplastic contamination in the environment and explains how to assess the potential health risks for the nearby communities. The impact of microplastic on flora and fauna is presented in one chapter. To emphasize the importance of accurate assessment methods in understanding the extent and impact of microplastic contamination. The editors also present a case study conducted in Thoothukudi, South India, to explore the implications of microplastic pollution on human health. The book also provides information on solutions to microplastic pollution including the use of bioplastics and removal techniques. Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Control It equips readers with a complete understanding of the global challenge of microplastics, fostering awareness and encouraging further research and action to protect our ecosystems and human health from their detrimental impact. It is an ideal handbook for environmental science researchers and students who need to understand microplastic pollution and plan environmental impact assessments for research projects in academic and professional settings, Key Features - Comprehensive coverage of microplastic pollution with 10 structured chapters - Informs readers about important parameters to understand and measure the impact of microplastics on local fauna, flora and the surrounding environment - Covers evaluation and remediation of microplastics in both terrestrial and marine environments - Includes references for advanced readers - Includes a case study on the effect of microplastics in Thoothukudi, South India

Microplastic Pollution

Microplastic Pollution PDF

Author: Rahul Singh

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Published: 2023-09-22

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9789815165128

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This book sheds light on the causes, effects, and control of microplastic pollution, providing valuable insights into the tools and techniques for analysis, the impact on ecosystems, and the potential risks to human well-being. The editors focus on the urgency of addressing this global environmental challenge through collaborative efforts and sustainable solutions. This reference features 10 edited chapters covering multiple aspects of microplastic pollution. The book introduces the reader to various tools and techniques used to analyze microplastic pollution in both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. It then examines the sources, pathways, and levels of microplastic contamination in the environment and explains how to assess the potential health risks for the nearby communities. The impact of microplastic on flora and fauna is presented in one chapter. To emphasize the importance of accurate assessment methods in understanding the extent and impact of microplastic contamination. The editors also present a case study conducted in Thoothukudi, South India, to explore the implications of microplastic pollution on human health. The book also provides information on solutions to microplastic pollution including the use of bioplastics and removal techniques. Microplastic Pollution: Causes, Effects, and Control It equips readers with a complete understanding of the global challenge of microplastics, fostering awareness and encouraging further research and action to protect our ecosystems and human health from their detrimental impact. It is an ideal handbook for environmental science researchers and students who need to understand microplastic pollution and plan environmental impact assessments for research projects in academic and professional settings, Key Features -Comprehensive coverage of microplastic pollution with 10 structured chapters -Informs readers about important parameters to understand and measure the impact of microplastics on local fauna, flora and the surrounding environment -Covers evaluation and remediation of microplastics in both terrestrial and marine environments -Includes references for advanced readers -Includes a case study on the effect of microplastics in Thoothukudi, South India

Towards the Control of Microplastic Pollution in Urban Waters

Towards the Control of Microplastic Pollution in Urban Waters PDF

Author: Emma Fältström

Publisher: Linköping University Electronic Press

Published: 2020-11-04

Total Pages: 52

ISBN-13: 9179297617

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Water pollution has long been considered a challenge in urban areas, and new types of pollution are continuously introduced to society. Urban wastewater and stormwater act as transport pathways of pollution from urban areas to receiving waterways. Microplastics are a new type of pollution that is being highlighted as problematic, and the presence of microplastics is widespread in the environment. The knowledge about behaviour, sources and transport pathways is still limited. Still, there have been suggestions for ways to control microplastic pollution. Moreover, many other pollutants have been introduced, and to a various extent controlled, in the urban water system before, which means that there are strategies for pollution control in place. The problem of microplastic pollution is receiving attention from both research and policy. Therefore, there is a need to simultaneously explore ways to handle the pollution and learn more about the flows of microplastics. The aim of this thesis is to contribute to the understanding of flows of microplastics in urban waters and investigate strategies and measures that can control the flows. This aim has been addressed through three different studies presented in the three appended papers. The empirical material was gathered between 2017 and 2020 using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The flows of microplastics were investigated using a quantitative approach with inspiration from substance flow analysis. Strategies and measures to control pollution were investigated by means of analyses of documents, literature review and interviews. In terms of flows, the results show that laundry seems to be a large contributor to the wastewater system, while the contribution from cigarette filters was smaller than anticipated. Littering, in general, as well as paint, are potentially important sources of microplastics where the understanding is very limited. In terms of strategies and measures to control the flows, there are both preventive and treatment options for microplastics. As microplastics are a diverse pollutant group, several different solutions are needed. Some aspects that influence control efforts are related to the properties and behaviour of the specific pollutant and can therefore be more or less suitable for different pollutants. Other aspects are more general, such as what compartments are seen as valuable and prioritised in terms of protection. Further, treatment moves the pollution from the water to another medium, and this movement also needs to be considered. Challenges in terms of changing, limited or even lack of legislation, as well as unclear responsibility, and problems with collaboration among urban actors also impact the possibilities to control pollution. The case of microplastics also raises questions about when and how pollution should be controlled and by whom. Further, emerging practices in the urban water system, such as source separation, pipe-separation, and water reuse, will have implications for how pollution will be handled in the future.

Freshwater Microplastics

Freshwater Microplastics PDF

Author: Martin Wagner

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-11-21

Total Pages: 303

ISBN-13: 3319616153

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This book is open access under a CC BY 4.0 license. This volume focuses on microscopic plastic debris, also referred to as microplastics, which have been detected in aquatic environments around the globe and have accordingly raised serious concerns. The book explores whether microplastics represent emerging contaminants in freshwater systems, an area that remains underrepresented to date. Given the complexity of the issue, the book covers the current state-of-research on microplastics in rivers and lakes, including analytical aspects, environmental concentrations and sources, modelling approaches, interactions with biota, and ecological implications. To provide a broader perspective, the book also discusses lessons learned from nanomaterials and the implications of plastic debris for regulation, politics, economy, and society. In a research field that is rapidly evolving, it offers a solid overview for environmental chemists, engineers, and toxicologists, as well as water managers and policy-makers.

Characterization and Analysis of Microplastics

Characterization and Analysis of Microplastics PDF

Author:

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2017-03-19

Total Pages: 302

ISBN-13: 0444638997

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Characterization and Analysis of Microplastics, Volume 75, aims to fulfill the gap on the existence of published analytical methodologies for the identification and quantification of microplastics. This overview includes the following main topics: introduction to the fate and behavior of microplastics in the environment, assessment of sampling techniques and sample handling, morphological, physical, and chemical characterization of microplastics, and the role of laboratory experiments in the validation of field data. The characterization and analysis of microplastics is a hot topic considering the current need for reliable data on concentrations of microplastics in environmental compartments. This book presents a comprehensive overview of the analytical techniques and future perspectives of analytical methodologies in the field. Concise, comprehensive coverage of analytical techniques and applications Clear diagrams adequately support important topics Includes real examples that illustrate applications of the analytical techniques on the sampling, characterization, and analysis of microplastics

Marine Anthropogenic Litter

Marine Anthropogenic Litter PDF

Author: Melanie Bergmann

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-06-01

Total Pages: 447

ISBN-13: 3319165100

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This book describes how man-made litter, primarily plastic, has spread into the remotest parts of the oceans and covers all aspects of this pollution problem from the impacts on wildlife and human health to socio-economic and political issues. Marine litter is a prime threat to marine wildlife, habitats and food webs worldwide. The book illustrates how advanced technologies from deep-sea research, microbiology and mathematic modelling as well as classic beach litter counts by volunteers contributed to the broad awareness of marine litter as a problem of global significance. The authors summarise more than five decades of marine litter research, which receives growing attention after the recent discovery of great oceanic garbage patches and the ubiquity of microscopic plastic particles in marine organisms and habitats. In 16 chapters, authors from all over the world have created a universal view on the diverse field of marine litter pollution, the biological impacts, dedicated research activities, and the various national and international legislative efforts to combat this environmental problem. They recommend future research directions necessary for a comprehensive understanding of this environmental issue and the development of efficient management strategies. This book addresses scientists, and it provides a solid knowledge base for policy makers, NGOs, and the broader public.

Plastics and the Environment

Plastics and the Environment PDF

Author: R. M. Harrison

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry

Published: 2018-11-20

Total Pages: 192

ISBN-13: 1788012410

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Plastic has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. A cheap, lightweight material, it is used in everything from food packaging to consumer electronics and microbeads in cosmetic products. However, we are becoming increasingly aware of the problems our reliance on plastic is causing in the environment. For example, recent campaigns have highlighted the build-up of microbeads in the marine environment and the damage this is doing to wildlife, and the problem of marine litter, often in very remote locations. There are also concerns over exposure to plasticisers and their possible consequences for health. The plastics industry is under increasing pressure, not only from the government and environmental groups, but also from consumers, to improve the environmental impact of their products. This book presents an introduction to the uses of plastics and an overview of how they interact with the environment. It is a valuable resource for students studying environmental science as well as researchers working in the plastics industry, and policy makers and regulators concerned with waste disposal and environmental planning and conservation.

Microplastics

Microplastics PDF

Author: Natalie Welden

Publisher: Elsevier

Published: 2024-05-01

Total Pages: 293

ISBN-13: 0443133255

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Microplastics: Transport, Impacts, Monitoring and Mitigation provides a critical analysis of our current understanding of microplastic science, the methods by which microplastic are observed in the environment, and our options for mitigation and remediation. Associated concern for the environment has resulted in substantial interest in the management and mitigation of these persistent and pervasive pollutants. Nevertheless, our progress towards reliable monitoring and successful management has been limited. The book is intended for those studying or working in the fields of environmental science and waste management (as well as associated areas), and provides the holistic context needed to evaluate and interpret the outputs associated with the interlinked problems of plastic and microplastics. In this manner, the reader will be invited to explore the ongoing challenges which have thus far prevented the development of a thorough understanding of the risk posed by plastic and microplastic pollution, to discuss the implications of ongoing uncertainty to effective plastic management, evaluate the current strategies to control the ongoing proliferation of plastic pollution. Models the issue of microplastic pollution with historic case studies of alternative pollutants Demonstrates the differing requirements of microplastic monitoring and management Contains idealized workflows specific to key practitioner groups, the content of which will reflect recent debates and divergences in the field Emphasizes critical comparison between emerging management measures not apparent in current edited texts which tend to consider individual approaches separately Places management and remediation methods in the context of the observed scale and impact of associated microplastics in the environment to indicate the potential benefits of each approach

Microplastic in the Environment: Pattern and Process

Microplastic in the Environment: Pattern and Process PDF

Author: Michael S. Bank

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2021-10-09

Total Pages: 364

ISBN-13: 3030786277

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This open access book examines global plastic pollution, an issue that has become a critical societal challenge with implications for environmental and public health. This volume provides a comprehensive, holistic analysis on the plastic cycle and its subsequent effects on biota, food security, and human exposure. Importantly, global environmental change and its associated, systems-level processes, including atmospheric deposition, ecosystem complexity, UV exposure, wind patterns, water stratification, ocean circulation, etc., are all important direct and indirect factors governing the fate, transport and biotic and abiotic processing of plastic particles across ecosystem types. Furthermore, the distribution of plastic in the ocean is not independent of terrestrial ecosystem dynamics, since much of the plastic in marine ecosystems originates from land and should therefore be evaluated in the context of the larger plastic cycle. Changes in species size, distribution, habitat, and food web complexity, due to global environmental change, will likely alter trophic transfer dynamics and the ecological effects of nano- and microplastics. The fate and transport dynamics of plastic particles are influenced by their size, form, shape, polymer type, additives, and overall ecosystem conditions. In addition to the risks that plastics pose to the total environment, the potential impacts on human health and exposure routes, including seafood consumption, and air and drinking water need to be assessed in a comprehensive and quantitative manner. Here I present a holistic and interdisciplinary book volume designed to advance the understanding of plastic cycling in the environment with an emphasis on sources, fate and transport, ecotoxicology, climate change effects, food security, microbiology, sustainability, human exposure and public policy.