Case Studies of Particulate Plastic Distribution and Ecotoxicity in Japan

Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has continued its national survey of drifting garbage, including plastics, since Fiscal Year (FY) 2006. In FY 2006, drifting plastic garbage was reported as part of all drifting debris by the Ministry of the Environment. The distribution of mesoplastic floating densities, although the particles were much less numerous, was roughly similar to that of microplastics. Because of the chemical hydrophobic properties of plastics, there is concern the adsorption of inorganic or organic pollutant chemicals, ecotoxicological risks, as well as about obstruction of the digestive tracts of aquatic organisms by plastic debris through accidental consumption. In regard to microplastics, the law indicates clearly that the industry should strive to suppress the use of microplastics in products, as well as the discharge of waste plastics, which will run off into rivers; the government is to act promptly to consider how to manage marine microplastics on the basis of scientific knowledge and international trends, to take necessary actions.