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The sustainable management of microplastics pollution in sediments from China: Promulgating relevant laws and implementing targeted management
Summary
This policy-focused study analyzed microplastic pollution levels in sediments across 74 sites in China and assessed existing regulations, finding a lack of targeted management measures specifically addressing sediment microplastic contamination. The authors proposed policy recommendations to align Chinese sediment management with UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Microplastics (MPs) pollution in sediments brings a huge challenge to the sustainable development of society. China is one of the countries with the largest production and application of plastic products in the world. The sustainable management of MPs pollution in sediments from China has important implications for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. There is a lack of targeted management measures for the sustainable management of MPs pollution in sediments from China. In this study, 74 study areas were collected to analyze the pollution status of MPs in sediments from China. The results showed that the study on MPs pollution in sediments from China was concentrated in the Bohai Rim Economic Circle (n = 12), the Yangtze River Delta Economic Circle (n = 16) and the Pearl River Delta Economic Circle (n = 13). And the average abundance of MPs in sediments from China showed a decreasing trend from coastal to inland. Fiber had the highest centrality degree in the correlation network of MPs types. The reduction of fiber in sediments can reduce the diversity of MPs in sediments from China. Population density, economic level, urbanization level and industrial structure were significantly correlated with MPs types in sediments from China. The targeted management measures can be formulated based on the contribution of different human activities to MPs types. Managing pollution sources and cutting off transmission pathways are effective means for the targeted management of MPs in sediments. In addition, legislation can effectively restrict the application of plastic products. Promulgating relevant laws and implementing targeted management are conducive to the sustainable management of MPs pollution in sediments from China. In future studies, a big data platform for MPs pollution should be established to obtain a comprehensive understanding in the pollution status of MPs in sediments from China.