Marine and freshwater microplastic research in South Africa
Verster, C.; Minnaar, K.; Bouwman, H. (2017). Marine and freshwater microplastic research in South Africa. Integr. Environ. Assess. Manag. 13(3): 533-535. https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ieam.1900
In: Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. Wiley: Pensacola. ISSN 1551-3777; e-ISSN 1551-3793, more
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| Keywords |
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| Author keywords |
Microplastics, Water-scarce environment, Plastic waste recycling |
| Authors | | Top |
- Verster, C.
- Minnaar, K.
- Bouwman, H.
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| Abstract |
South Africa has a vibrant plastics manufacturing industry, but recycling is limited and insufficient with a notable proportion of the unmanaged waste entering the environment. South Africa is a developing country with microplastics research in its inception. Very little is known about freshwater microplastics, and studies on South African marine microplastics are limited but actively being pursued. In a water‐scarce country, protection of freshwater resources remains a priority, but in the face of other socioeconomic issues (poverty, unemployment, and HIV/AIDS), it receives insufficiently effective attention. The full impact and risks of microplastics pollution in water is yet to be discovered. The risks may be enhanced in a developing country where many communities remain largely dependent on the land and natural waters. With South Africa being a water‐scarce country, the quality of its aquatic resources is at an even greater risk with an assumed increasing background of microplastics, emphasizing the need for further research. A South African Water Research Commission–funded project is being undertaken to derive research priorities, but there is an immediate need for improved recycling and waste management. |
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