Strategies for Monitoring and Reducing Microplastic Pollution in Oceans

Microplastics have become an emerging pollutant in the global marine environment and have attracted widespread attention. Based on the research progress at home and abroad in the past five years, this study systematically reviews the source, distribution, ecological environment and health impact of marine microplastic pollution, and discusses monitoring and governance strategies. The study found that microplastic particles produced by the decomposition of plastic waste are widely present in the ocean, posing a potential threat to plankton, benthic organisms, and human health of microplastics ingested through the food chain. In response to this global threat, countries and international organizations have successively carried out microplastic monitoring projects, developed a series of monitoring technologies, and formulated policies and regulations to reduce plastic waste emissions. At the engineering and technical level, the exploration of recycling and new cleaning technologies has made continuous progress. At the same time, public participation and educational publicity have played an important role in the control of plastic pollution. Therefore, formulating comprehensive strategies, monitoring, controlling and reducing microplastic pollution has become a key issue in achieving sustainable development of the marine ecological environment.