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Monitoring and Assessment of Environmental Pollution by Micro- and Nano-Plastics in the Arab Region
Summary
This technical report assesses environmental pollution by micro- and nanoplastics across the Arab region, prepared by the Emerging Pollutant Network under the Arab Science and Technology Foundation. Researchers synthesized scientific evidence on contamination sources, distribution, and health impacts across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments in multiple Arab countries. The report identifies critical gaps in regional monitoring capacity and recommends coordinated research and policy efforts to address plastic pollution.
Description (English – for Zenodo) This technical report provides a comprehensive assessment of environmental pollution by microplastics (MPs; <5 mm) and nanoplastics (NPs; <100 nm) across the Arab region. Prepared by the Emerging Pollutant Network (EPN) under the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF), the report synthesizes peer-reviewed scientific evidence to evaluate the sources, distribution, environmental behavior, and ecological and human health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics in marine, freshwater, terrestrial, and urban environments. The report presents a region-wide analysis of monitoring data from multiple Arab countries, highlighting contamination levels in seawater, sediments, soils, wastewater, and biota, including commercially important fish species. It critically examines analytical methodologies and laboratory capacities currently available in the region, identifying gaps in detection, standardization, and technical infrastructure for micro- and nanoplastic analysis. In addition to documenting environmental occurrence, the report reviews emerging evidence on toxicological, neurological, and bioaccumulative effects of micro- and nanoplastics, emphasizing their role as vectors for hazardous chemicals and heavy metals through food webs to humans. The study further assesses national and regional policy frameworks, waste management practices, and regulatory readiness, revealing significant disparities in preparedness among Arab states. The report concludes with strategic, science-based recommendations aimed at policymakers, research institutions, and environmental authorities. These include strengthening regional research coordination, upgrading laboratory capabilities, reforming waste and wastewater management systems, developing targeted legislation, and enhancing public awareness. The report is intended to support evidence-based decision-making, regional cooperation, and the development of sustainable strategies to mitigate micro- and nanoplastic pollution in the Arab world