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Survey of Microplastics Along the Coast of Ishikawa Prefecture
Original title: 石川県沿岸におけるマイクロプラスチック調査
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This Japanese-language study surveyed microplastic abundance on eight coastlines of Ishikawa Prefecture in 2010 and 2016, detecting microplastics at all sites, with expanded polystyrene being the most common form of marine litter. The findings highlight the need for stronger national and local government action to collect and prevent marine litter accumulation.
Marine plastic waste has become a global issue and there is widespread concern that microplastic is wreaking havoc on marine ecosystem. The use of biodegradable plastics as a substitute for petroleum-derived plastic is also progressing, although it accounts for less than 1% of total plastic production. The Japanese government has shown its intention to address marine plastic pollution by enacting and amending the Law for the promotion of marine litter disposal but has not yet enough its plan. In addition, we investigated the actual state of drifted microplastics on the eight coasts of Ishikawa Prefecture in 2010 and 2016. As a result of the investigation, microplastic was detected on all coasts, and at any point there were many expanded polystyrene as marine litter. Although the amount of marine litter varies depending on the coast, the national and local government is expected to soon take the big step towards collecting and preventing marine litter.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.