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The Marine Plastic Litter Issue: A Social-Economic Analysis
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Using the DPSIR framework, this study analyzed marine plastic litter pollution as a social-economic issue, finding that fewer than 10 peer-reviewed studies had applied this policy-relevant analytical model to ocean plastics, and identifying management response gaps in food security, transport, and shelter contexts.
The issue of marine plastic litter pollution is multifaceted, cross-sectoral, and ongoing in the absence of appropriate management measures. This study analysed the issue of marine plastic litter pollution in the context of the Descriptor 10 of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and Good Environmental Status of the oceans and seas. The Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework was used to assess the causes, effects, and management measures to changes in the marine environment resulting from marine plastics pollution. We noted that less than 10 peer-reviewed publications have applied the Driver-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) model to the issue of marine plastics pollution. Some basic needs such as food security, movement of goods and services, and shelter are also some of the major drivers of marine plastic pollution. The use of plastics is linked to multiple economic sectors (fisheries, agriculture, transport, packaging, construction) and other human activities. A significant amount of the resulting pressures came from the economic sectors for packaging and construction. State changes occurred at the environmental (contamination and bioaccumulation), ecosystem (ingestion of plastics, ghost fishing) and ecosystem service levels (supply of sea food, salt and cultural benefits), with possible loss of jobs and income being some of the observed impacts on human welfare. Responses as management measures, which are tailored to meet each component of the DPSIR framework, were identified. These included policies, regulations, technological advancement and behavioural change. The research acknowledges the issue of marine plastics pollution as a global environmental problem and recommends a trans-disciplinary approach, involving all types of stakeholders. Future research and analysis applying the DPSIR framework will be useful to provide the information necessary for the effective, adaptive management of litter pollution by marine plastics.
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Microplastics in the environment: A DPSIR analysis with focus on the responses
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This review applies a DPSIR (driving forces, pressures, states, impacts, responses) framework to organise current knowledge on microplastic pollution, covering sources, distribution across environmental compartments, and socio-economic impacts. The authors assess available response strategies including regulatory instruments, biodegradable plastics development, wastewater treatment, and environmental cleanup, while identifying key gaps in the literature.
Beach pollution from marine litter: Analysis with the DPSIR framework (driver, pressure, state, impact, response) in Tuscany, Italy
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Researchers applied the DPSIR environmental analysis framework to understand the accumulation of litter and waste on beaches in Tuscany, Italy, finding that coastal ocean currents — not local waterways — were the main source of beach debris, while local sewage contaminated the sand with fecal bacteria at levels posing moderate health risks. The study demonstrates how a systems-level approach can help beach managers identify the true causes of marine litter and evaluate the effectiveness of existing cleanup measures.
Microplastics: An analysis using the DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts, Responses) model: The situation of Brazil
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This review applies the DPSIR (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts, Responses) framework to analyze microplastic pollution specifically in the Brazilian context, structuring available evidence on sources, environmental accumulation, ecological and human health impacts, and current policy and technological response measures. The authors aim to provide a structured evidence base to guide large-scale solutions to microplastic pollution in Brazil.
Understanding the socioeconomic determinants of marine plastic pollution: Evaluating policy effectiveness and mitigation strategies in the Global South.
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Researchers synthesized qualitative and quantitative evidence on marine plastic pollution in the Global South, identifying rapid urbanization, inadequate waste infrastructure, and weak governance as primary drivers, and recommending integrated strategies combining single-use plastic bans, extended producer responsibility, regional cooperation, and circular economy incentives.
Marine plastic pollution: A systematic review of management strategies through a macroscope approach
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Researchers applied a systems-level framework to review 176 studies on marine plastic pollution management, finding that waste collection infrastructure and freshwater pathways are critically understudied and that no existing strategy — from beach cleanup to biomaterials — is scalable enough to meaningfully reverse the plastic crisis.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.