Journal article
Are We Speaking the Same Language? Recommendations for a Definition and Categorization Framework for Plastic Debris
Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark1
Plymouth Marine Laboratory2
Ovivo Switzerland AG3
North Rhine Westphalian State Agency for Nature, Environment and Consumer Protection4
Technical University of Munich5
Norwegian Institute for Water Research6
Norwegian University of Science and Technology7
University of Vienna8
University of Plymouth9
University of Gothenburg10
National Institute of Public Health and the Environment11
Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark12
The Danish Polymer Centre, Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark13
Environmental Fate & Effect of Chemicals, Department of Environmental Engineering, Technical University of Denmark14
German Federal Institute of Hydrology15
...and 5 moreThe 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 physico-chemical 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.
Language: | English |
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Publisher: | American Chemical Society |
Year: | 2019 |
Pages: | 1039-1047 |
ISSN: | 15205851 and 0013936x |
Types: | Journal article |
DOI: | 10.1021/acs.est.8b05297 |
ORCIDs: | Hartmann, Nanna B. , Daugaard, Anders E. , Rist, Sinja , 0000-0002-5639-8789 , 0000-0002-4821-1697 , 0000-0002-7685-5166 and 0000-0002-4402-3234 |