Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1126/science.abg5433
Document accepted manuscript
Title (Primary) The global threat from plastic pollution
Author MacLeod, M.; Arp, H.P.H.; Tekman, M.B.; Jahnke, A. ORCID logo
Source Titel Science
Year 2021
Department OEC
Volume 373
Issue 6550
Page From 61
Page To 65
Language englisch
Topic T9 Healthy Planet
Abstract Plastic pollution accumulating in an area of the environment is considered “poorly reversible” if natural mineralization processes occurring there are slow and engineered remediation solutions are improbable. Should negative outcomes in these areas arise as a consequence of plastic pollution, they will be practically irreversible. Potential impacts from poorly reversible plastic pollution include changes to carbon and nutrient cycles; habitat changes within soils, sediments, and aquatic ecosystems; co-occurring biological impacts on endangered or keystone species; ecotoxicity; and related societal impacts. The rational response to the global threat posed by accumulating and poorly reversible plastic pollution is to rapidly reduce plastic emissions through reductions in consumption of virgin plastic materials, along with internationally coordinated strategies for waste management.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=24793
MacLeod, M., Arp, H.P.H., Tekman, M.B., Jahnke, A. (2021):
The global threat from plastic pollution
Science 373 (6550), 61 - 65 10.1126/science.abg5433