Chapter 7 - Plastic waste in the terrestrial environment

Abstract

The occurrence of plastic waste in the environment has become a central topic on the global agenda. Recently, significant attention has been paid to this issue, with a particular focus on small plastic particles, microplastics, in the marine environment. This has resulted in a large volume of scientific research and public and media attention to the presence and risks associated with plastic in the ocean. Yet, the majority of plastics are produced, consumed, and disposed of on land. This indicates that solutions for tackling global plastic contamination lie in better understanding the processes leading to the environmental release of plastic in the terrestrial environment. Studies have also begun to uncover significant contamination of soil, atmospheric, and freshwater systems with a wide range of plastic waste through diverse and complex release pathways. Nevertheless, several questions remain regarding the sources, dynamics, associated risks, and potential solutions for limiting plastic waste emissions in the terrestrial environment.