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Evaluation of challenges to marine plastic waste management with an integrated multiple-criteria decision-making approach
Summary
Researchers analyzed why efforts to manage marine plastic waste keep falling short, finding that the biggest roadblocks are a lack of real-time data on ocean plastic, weak public awareness, unchecked coastal development, insufficient science-based guidance, and poor enforcement of existing rules. This matters because plastic pollution in our oceans eventually breaks down into microplastics that enter seafood and drinking water, so fixing these gaps in tracking and policy could help reduce the plastic—and potentially the microplastics—that end up in the food we eat.
Introduction Overdependence on plastic and negligence in plastic waste management are the major reasons for marine plastic pollution. Besides several global initiatives, marine plastic waste management is still affected by several challenges. Thus, marine plastic waste management has become a global environmental threat, and overcoming these challenges is essential for reducing plastic contamination of water bodies. This study assesses the challenges to identify key areas that need attention for effective marine plastic waste management. Methods Challenges in marine plastic waste management were identified through a literature review and verified through a Delphi analysis based on experts’ input. An integrated multi-criteria decision-making framework, consisting of Fermatean Fuzzy Sets - Analytic Hierarchy Process - Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory, was used to evaluate weight significance and causal interrelationship of the challenges. A sensitivity analysis was performed to measure the robustness of the results. Results Lack of real-time marine plastic data, absence of social consciousness, Rapid coastal urbanization, Lack of science advice, and Frail enforcement mechanisms were identified as major challenges to marine plastic waste management. Discussion Outcomes may provide valuable insight for policymakers and industrial practitioners in devising strategies for effective marine plastic waste management. Also, it could help in lowering marine pollution and attaining Sustainable Development Goal 14.