-
Increase of Wildlife Cancer: An Echo of Plastic Pollution
Cancer -- Risk factors
Cancer -- Research
Wildlife conservation -- Economic aspects
Wildlife conservation -- Health aspects
Pollution -- Health aspects -
Plastic Waste Inputs From Land Into the Ocean
Plastic debris in the marine environment is widely documented, but the quantity of plastic entering the ocean from waste generated on land is unknown. By linking worldwide data on solid waste, population density, and economic status, we estimated the mass of land-based plastic waste entering the ocean. We calculate that 275 million metric tons (MT) of plastic waste was generated in 192 coastal countries in 2010, with 4.8 to 12.7 million MT entering the ocean. -
Managing Marine Plastic Pollution
The article focuses on plastic waste management to reduce marine pollution. Topics discussed include causes of pollution such as lost fishing nets and containers, marine plastic pollution by coastal countries such as the U.S., the growth of megacities which contribute to marine pollution and extended producer responsibility (EPR) model adopted by European countries to manage their plastic wastes by recycling, reusing and diverting plastics to power plants to be used as fuels. -
The Existing Situation And Challenges Regarding The Use Of Plastic Carrier Bags In Europe
Since day one, retailers and consumers have favoured plastic carrier bags. However, owing to the numerous environmental disadvantages, lightweight plastic carrier bags have been drawing the attention of the European Union competent authorities. Therefore, many European Union member states have taken action so as to reduce the use of plastic carrier bags. -
Plastic Bags Are Good For You
The article discusses the benefits of plastic bags, focusing on the ban or tax on plastic use in countries such as South Africa, Bangladesh and several U.S. states. It is noted that San Francisco in California, was the first U.S. city to ban plastic bags due to its environmental effects such as water pollution and water disposal. It states that the major concern for banning plastic grocery bags is the safety of marine life; however the technology behind plastic bag creation has won Nobel Prize. -
Plastic Pollution In Five Urban Estuaries Of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
Monitoring plastic concentrations in estuaries is vital in assessing the magnitude of terrestrial inputs to oceanic environments. Data on plastics ≤ 5 mm in estuaries are scant. This study determined microplastic levels within five estuaries along the Durban coastline and on intervening beaches. Plastics were isolated from estuarine sediment, beach sediment and the surface water of each estuary and characterised.
