海洋プラスチック汚染の概況と今後の課題

摘要

History and status of marine plastic pollution are introduced through the summary of working group on microplastics of GESAMP (The Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Protection). Due to increased production and consumption of plastics and poor waste management, inputs of plastics to the marine environments have been increasing. Microplatics are distributed throughout the ocean, occurring on shorelines, in surface waters and bottom sediment, from the Arctic to Antarctic. They are accumulated at mid-ocean gyres as well as close to population centers and shipping routes. Microplastics have been found inside the bodies of a wide variety of marine organisms. Plastics often contain chemicals added during manufacture and adsorb and concentrate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from the surrounding seawater. There is emerging evidence of transfer of chemicals from ingested plastics into tissues. Recommendations to improve a future assessment have been made. Action-oriented recommendations, such as reduction of plastic inputs to the ocean, promotion of 3R and circular economy, and activities to increase public awareness of impacts of plastics, have been made.