Are We Speaking the Same Language? Recommendations for a Definition and Categorization Framework for Plastic Debris

Autor(en)

Nanna B. Hartmann, Thorsten Hüffer, Richard C. Thompson, Martin Hassellöv, Anja Verschoor, Anders E. Daugaard, Sinja Rist, Therese Karlsson, Nicole Brennholt, Matthew Cole, Maria P. Herrling, Maren C. Hess, Natalia P. Ivleva, Amy L. Lusher, Martin Wagner

Abstrakt

ABSTRACT: The accumulation of plastic litter in natural
environments is a global issue. Concerns over potential
negative impacts on the economy, wildlife, and human health
provide strong incentives for improving the sustainable use of
plastics. Despite the many voices raised on the issue, we lack a
consensus on how to define and categorize plastic debris. This
is evident for microplastics, where inconsistent size classes are
used and where the materials to be included are under debate.
While this is inherent in an emerging research field, an
ambiguous terminology results in confusion and miscommunication
that may compromise progress in research and
mitigation measures. Therefore, we need to be explicit on
what exactly we consider plastic debris. Thus, we critically
discuss the advantages and disadvantages of a unified terminology, propose a definition and categorization framework, and
highlight areas of uncertainty. Going beyond size classes, our framework includes physicochemical properties (polymer
composition, solid state, solubility) as defining criteria and size, shape, color, and origin as classifiers for categorization.
Acknowledging the rapid evolution of our knowledge on plastic pollution, our framework will promote consensus building
within the scientific and regulatory community based on a solid scientific foundation.

Organisation(en)

Forschungsplattform Plastics in the Environment and Society

Externe Organisation(en)

Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Plymouth University , University of Gothenburg, National Institute of Public Health and the Environment, Bundesanstalt für Gewässerkunde, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, Ovivo Switzerland AG, Technische Universität München, High North Research Centre for Climate and the Environment, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) , Landesamt für Natur, Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz Nordrhein-Westfalen

Journal

Environmental Science & Technology

Band

53

Seiten

1039-1047

Anzahl der Seiten

9

ISSN

0013-936X

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.8b05297

Publikationsdatum

02-2019

Peer-reviewed

Ja

ÖFOS 2012

105302 Hydrochemie, 104023 Umweltchemie, 104002 Analytische Chemie, 105906 Umweltgeowissenschaften

Schlagwörter

ASJC Scopus Sachgebiete

Allgemeine Chemie, Environmental Chemistry

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG 3 – Gesundheit und Wohlergehen

Link zum Portal

https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/de/publications/612b29c2-4800-4636-b5ee-f507c1f9b6ee