IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jijerp/v18y2021i2p433-d476488.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

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
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/2/433/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/2/433/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jean-Philippe Nicolaï & Caroline Devaux, 2020. "The Design of an EU Ship Recycling Licence: A Roadmap," Post-Print hal-03084347, HAL.
    2. Chuan Du & Handong Liang & Zhanping Li & Jie Gong, 2020. "Pollution Characteristics of Microplastics in Soils in Southeastern Suburbs of Baoding City, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-12, January.
    3. Cheryl Qian Ying Yong & Suresh Valiyaveettil & Bor Luen Tang, 2020. "Toxicity of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Mammalian Systems," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-24, February.
    4. Joana C. Prata & Ana L. Patrício Silva & João P. da Costa & Catherine Mouneyrac & Tony R. Walker & Armando C. Duarte & Teresa Rocha-Santos, 2019. "Solutions and Integrated Strategies for the Control and Mitigation of Plastic and Microplastic Pollution," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-19, July.
    5. Piotr Nowakowski & Sandra Kuśnierz & Patrycja Sosna & Jakub Mauer & Dawid Maj, 2020. "Disposal of Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID-19 Pandemic Is a Challenge for Waste Collection Companies and Society: A Case Study in Poland," Resources, MDPI, vol. 9(10), pages 1-11, September.
    6. Manuel Uche-Soria & Carlos Rodríguez-Monroy, 2019. "Solutions to Marine Pollution in Canary Islands’ Ports: Alternatives and Optimization of Energy Management," Resources, MDPI, vol. 8(2), pages 1-17, April.
    7. Angelica Bianco & Monica Passananti, 2020. "Atmospheric Micro and Nanoplastics: An Enormous Microscopic Problem," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(18), pages 1-17, September.
    8. Denise M. Mitrano & Wendel Wohlleben, 2020. "Microplastic regulation should be more precise to incentivize both innovation and environmental safety," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-12, December.
    9. Butt, Nickie, 2007. "The impact of cruise ship generated waste on home ports and ports of call: A study of Southampton," Marine Policy, Elsevier, vol. 31(5), pages 591-598, September.
    10. Merica Slišković & Helena Ukić Boljat & Igor Jelaska & Gorana Jelić Mrčelić, 2018. "Review of Generated Waste from Cruisers: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar Port Case Studies," Resources, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-11, November.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Citations

    Citations are extracted by the CitEc Project, subscribe to its RSS feed for this item.
    as


    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.

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Thi Thanh Thuy Phan & Van Viet Nguyen & Hong Thi Thu Nguyen & Chun-Hung Lee, 2022. "Integrating Citizens’ Importance-Performance Aspects into Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in Danang, Vietnam," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(16), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Athanasios A. Pallis & Aimilia A. Papachristou & Charalampos Platias, 2017. "Environmental policies and practices in Cruise Ports: Waste reception facilities in the Med," SPOUDAI Journal of Economics and Business, SPOUDAI Journal of Economics and Business, University of Piraeus, vol. 67(1), pages 54-70, January-M.
    3. Magdalena Kaup & Dorota Lozowicka & Agnieszka Deja & Krzysztof Czaplicki, 2021. "Concept of the E-Waste Management Model on Sea-Going Ships," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special 1), pages 444-458.
    4. Žaneta Stasiškienė & Jelena Barbir & Lina Draudvilienė & Zhi Kai Chong & Kerstin Kuchta & Viktoria Voronova & Walter Leal Filho, 2022. "Challenges and Strategies for Bio-Based and Biodegradable Plastic Waste Management in Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-17, December.
    5. Raquel Pérez-Reverón & Sergio J. Álvarez-Méndez & Rebecca Magdalena Kropp & Adolfo Perdomo-González & Javier Hernández-Borges & Francisco J. Díaz-Peña, 2022. "Microplastics in Agricultural Systems: Analytical Methodologies and Effects on Soil Quality and Crop Yield," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 12(8), pages 1-29, August.
    6. Olivier Dehoorne & Nathalie Petit-Charles, 2011. "Cruise tourism and Cruise Industry [Tourisme de croisière et industrie de la croisière]," Post-Print hal-01368511, HAL.
    7. Isabella Gambino & Francesco Bagordo & Tiziana Grassi & Alessandra Panico & Antonella De Donno, 2022. "Occurrence of Microplastics in Tap and Bottled Water: Current Knowledge," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-15, April.
    8. Pongsiri Julapong & Jiraphon Ekasin & Pattaranun Katethol & Palot Srichonphaisarn & Onchanok Juntarasakul & Apisit Numprasanthai & Carlito Baltazar Tabelin & Theerayut Phengsaart, 2022. "Agglomeration–Flotation of Microplastics Using Kerosene as Bridging Liquid for Particle Size Enlargement," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-8, November.
    9. Joanna Kizielewicz, 2020. "Measuring the Economic and Social Contribution of Cruise Tourism Development to Coastal Tourist Destinations," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(3), pages 147-171.
    10. Di Vaio, Assunta & Varriale, Luisa & Trujillo, Lourdes, 2019. "Management Control Systems in port waste management: Evidence from Italy," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 127-135.
    11. Merica Slišković & Helena Ukić Boljat & Igor Jelaska & Gorana Jelić Mrčelić, 2018. "Review of Generated Waste from Cruisers: Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar Port Case Studies," Resources, MDPI, vol. 7(4), pages 1-11, November.
    12. Daniela Thomas & Berit Schütze & Wiebke Mareile Heinze & Zacharias Steinmetz, 2020. "Sample Preparation Techniques for the Analysis of Microplastics in Soil—A Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-28, October.
    13. Shahad M. Alteneiji & Betty T. Mathew & Hafsa A. Mohammed & Abdelghafar M. Abu-Elsaoud & Khaled A. El-Tarabily & Seham M. Al Raish, 2024. "Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards Single-Use Plastic Bags in the United Arab Emirates," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-28, August.
    14. Ren-Shou Yu & Sher Singh, 2023. "Microplastic Pollution: Threats and Impacts on Global Marine Ecosystems," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-21, September.
    15. Jung-Hwan Kwon & Jin-Woo Kim & Thanh Dat Pham & Abhrajyoti Tarafdar & Soonki Hong & Sa-Ho Chun & Sang-Hwa Lee & Da-Young Kang & Ju-Yang Kim & Su-Bin Kim & Jaehak Jung, 2020. "Microplastics in Food: A Review on Analytical Methods and Challenges," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-23, September.
    16. Adam Porter & Jasmin A. Godbold & Ceri N. Lewis & Georgie Savage & Martin Solan & Tamara S. Galloway, 2023. "Microplastic burden in marine benthic invertebrates depends on species traits and feeding ecology within biogeographical provinces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    17. Mirela Ștefănică & Christiana Brigitte Sandu & Gina Ionela Butnaru & Alina-Petronela Haller, 2021. "The Nexus between Tourism Activities and Environmental Degradation: Romanian Tourists’ Opinions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-19, August.
    18. Eun-Hi Choi & Hyunjin Lee & Mi-Jung Kang & Inwoo Nam & Hui-Kyeong Moon & Ji-Won Sung & Jae-Yun Eu & Hae-Bin Lee, 2022. "Factors Affecting Zero-Waste Behaviours of College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(15), pages 1-11, August.
    19. Sun, Mengyuan & Chen, Wen & Lapen, David R. & Ma, Bin & Lu, Peina & Liu, Jinghui, 2023. "Effects of ridge-furrow with plastic film mulching combining with various urea types on water productivity and yield of potato in a dryland farming system," Agricultural Water Management, Elsevier, vol. 283(C).
    20. Andreas Brachner & Despina Fragouli & Iola F. Duarte & Patricia M. A. Farias & Sofia Dembski & Manosij Ghosh & Ivan Barisic & Daniela Zdzieblo & Jeroen Vanoirbeek & Philipp Schwabl & Winfried Neuhaus, 2020. "Assessment of Human Health Risks Posed by Nano-and Microplastics Is Currently Not Feasible," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-10, November.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:2:p:433-:d:476488. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.