Plastic debris on pacific islands: ecological and health implications
Leal Filho, W., Hausia Havea, P., Balogun, A., Boenecke, J., Maharaj, A, Ha'apio, M. and Hemstock, S.L. (2019) Plastic debris on pacific islands: ecological and health implications. Science of the Total Environment, 670. pp. 181-187. ISSN 0048-9697
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Abstract
Plastic debris is a worldwide problem. This is particularly acute in the Pacific region, where its scale is a reason for serious concerns. There is an obvious need for studies to assess the extent to which plastic debris affects the Pacific. Therefore, this research aims to address this need by undertaking a systematic assessment of the ecological and health impacts of plastic debris on Pacific islands. Using pertinent historical qualitative and quantitative data of the distribution of plastic debris in the region, this study identified pollution and contamination trends and risks to ecosystems, and suggests some measures which may be deployed to address the identified problems. The study illustrates the fact that Pacific Island States are being disproportionately affected by plastic, and reiterates that further studies and integrated strategies are needed, involving public education and empowerment, governmental action, as well as ecologically sustainable industry leadership. It is also clear that more research is needed in respect of developing alternatives to conventional plastic, by the production of bio-plastic, i.e. plastic which is produced from natural (e.g. non-fossil fuel-based sources) materials, and which can be fully biodegradable.
| Item Type: | Article |
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| Additional Information: | © 2019. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ |
| Divisions: | School of Humanities |
| Depositing User: | Dr Sarah Hemstock |
| Date Deposited: | 20 Mar 2019 16:30 |
| Last Modified: | 08 Jan 2021 10:24 |
| URI: | https://bgro.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/510 |
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