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Marine Waste—Sources, Fate, Risks, Challenges and Research Needs

Author

Listed:
  • Jolanta Dąbrowska

    (Institute of Building Engineering, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Marcin Sobota

    (Institute of Landscape Architecture, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Małgorzata Świąder

    (Institute of Spatial Management, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Paweł Borowski

    (Faculty of Marine Engineering, Maritime University of Szczecin, 71-650 Szczecin, Poland)

  • Andrzej Moryl

    (Institute of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Radosław Stodolak

    (Institute of Environmental Engineering, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Ewa Kucharczak

    (Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Zofia Zięba

    (Institute of Building Engineering, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-363 Wrocław, Poland)

  • Jan K. Kazak

    (Institute of Spatial Management, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-357 Wrocław, Poland)

Abstract

The article presents a comprehensive and cross-cutting review of key marine waste issues, taking into account: sources, fate, risks, transport pathways, threats, legislation, current challenges, and knowledge gaps. The growing amount of both human-created waste in seas and oceans and waste reaching marine ecosystems from land is one of today’s challenges for the global economy and the European Union. It is predicted that if no decisive steps are taken to limit the amount of this type of waste, there may be more plastic waste than fish in the oceans after 2050. The influence of microplastics and nanoplastics on living organisms remains undiagnosed. Within the international and EU law, solutions are being developed to properly manage waste on board ships and to reduce the impact of processes related to the recycling of the vessels on the environment. Currently, over 80% of ships are dismantled in the countries of South Asia, in conditions that threaten the environment and the safety of workers. After World War 2, large quantities of chemical weapons were deposited in the seas. Steel containers with dangerous substances residing in the sea for over 70 years have begun leaking, thus polluting water. For many years, radioactive waste had also been dumped into marine ecosystems, although since 1993 there has been a total ban on such disposal of radionuclides. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on marine waste generation has also been presented as a significant factor influencing marine waste generation and management.

Suggested Citation

  • Jolanta Dąbrowska & Marcin Sobota & Małgorzata Świąder & Paweł Borowski & Andrzej Moryl & Radosław Stodolak & Ewa Kucharczak & Zofia Zięba & Jan K. Kazak, 2021. "Marine Waste—Sources, Fate, Risks, Challenges and Research Needs," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-17, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:2:p:433-:d:476488
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Mohammad Izadi & Mahmood Parsamanesh & Waleed Adel, 2022. "Numerical and Stability Investigations of the Waste Plastic Management Model in the Ocean System," Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 10(23), pages 1-26, December.
    2. Kuncowati & Sholihah Qomariyatus & Ciptadi Gatot & Koderi, 2022. "Handling Waste on Ships: A Model Based on Safety and Awareness," LOGI – Scientific Journal on Transport and Logistics, Sciendo, vol. 13(1), pages 222-232, January.

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