Plastic as a Persistent Marine Pollutant

Author:

Worm, Boris, H.K. Lotze, I. Jubinville, C. Wilcox, and J. Jambeck

Publication Year:

2017

Citation:

Worm, Boris, H.K. Lotze, I. Jubinville, C. Wilcox, and J. Jambeck. “Plastic as a Persistent Marine Pollutant.” Annual Review of Environment and Resources 42, no. 1 (2017): 1-26. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-environ-102016-060700.

Description:

The authors contend that mismanaged plastic waste is similar to other persistent pollutants, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which once threatened a “silent spring” on land. Such a scenario seems now possible in the ocean, where plastic cannot be easily removed, accumulates in organisms and sediments, and persists much longer than on land. New evidence indicates a complex toxicology of plastic micro- and nanoparticles on marine life, and transfer up the food chain, including to people. The authors detail solutions to the current crisis of accumulating plastic pollution, suggesting a Global Convention on Plastic Pollution that incentivizes collaboration between governments, producers, scientists, and citizens.

See related content:

  • Explore the site by related topics: