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Ocean Microplastic Footprint and Potential Exposure Index for Coastal Indigenous Communities
Summary
Researchers developed a Microplastic Potential Exposure Index (MPEI) by mapping ocean microplastic concentrations and estimating exposure through seafood consumption, finding that coastal Indigenous communities in countries like Kiribati, Greenland, and Canada face among the highest potential exposures. The index provides a practical tool for policymakers to identify the most vulnerable populations and prioritize interventions for plastic waste management and ocean pollution mitigation.
Abstract Plastic pollution is of growing concern, especially regarding plausible microplastic exposure with relevance to vulnerable communities’ well-being. A microplastic potential exposure index (MPEI) was developed by mapping microplastic concentration in the ocean followed by calculating the potential exposure through food consumption with implications for Indigenous coastal Peoples that are heavily reliant on seafood. The countries that comprise communities with high maximum values of MPEI are Kiribati, Greenland, the USA, Canada, and Cape Verde. This approach provides a powerful tool for decision-makers tasked with establishing precautionary public ocean policies and allocating equitable interventions for plastic waste management and pollution mitigation in exposed coastal communities.