Global threat from plastic pollution

Science July 2, 2021:.

Vol. 373, Issue 6550, pp. 61-65

DOI: 10.1126 / science.abg5433

Commentary

This study was designed to explain the measures that can be taken against plastic pollution.

As an environmental issue, it explains that plastics that accumulate in a certain area should be interpreted as "less reversible" if the natural mineralization process occurring in that environment is slow and unlikely to have a designed remediation solution. Also, if there are negative consequences as a result of plastic pollution, they are considered to be substantially irreversible. Potential impacts of plastic pollution that are less reversible include changes in carbon and nutrient cycling. This refers to changes in soils, sediments, and habitats within aquatic ecosystems.

There is also the potential for concurrent biological effects on endangered or keystone species. Due to these impacts, it is suggested that a rational response to the global threat posed by less reversible plastic pollution is to rapidly reduce plastic emissions by reducing the consumption of unused plastic materials.

How do we use plastic? It has been stated that the only way is to remove the emissions, not the