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Ocean-based sources of plastic pollution: An overview of the main marine activities in the Peruvian EEZ.
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This study used material flow analysis to quantify the plastic waste entering the ocean from Peruvian fishing, shipping, and aquaculture activities, finding the fishing industry as the largest marine-based source. The results highlight the importance of ocean-based sources of plastic pollution alongside the better-studied land-based pathways.
Marine-based activities are a critical source of plastic waste into the ocean. This is particularly important in countries with a competitive fishing industry, such as Peru. Thus, this study aimed to identify and quantify the major flows of plastic waste accumulating in the ocean from ocean-based sources within the Peruvian Economic Exclusive Zone. A material flow analysis was elaborated to analyze the stock of plastic and its release to the ocean by a set of Peruvian fleets, including the fishing industry, merchant vessels, cruises, and boating vessels. Results show that in 2018 between 2715 and 5584 metric tons of plastic waste entered the ocean. The fishing fleet was the most pollutant, representing approximately 97 % of the total. Moreover, fishing gear loss represented the highest single-activity contribution, although other sources, such as plastic packaging and antifouling emissions, have the potential to become vast sources of marine plastic pollution.
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Researchers investigated plastic and microplastic waste originating from ships in the marine environment, examining the types, quantities, and pathways by which vessel operations contribute to marine plastic pollution. The study addresses a relatively underexplored source of marine plastic contamination compared to land-based inputs.
Unwanted pathways : a material flow analysis of plastics from production to the ocean
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This material flow analysis traced the pathways by which plastics move from production through use and into the ocean, identifying the routes that lead to microplastic accumulation in marine environments. The study highlights gaps in the research beyond ocean gyre surveys and calls for better tracking of land-to-sea plastic flows.
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Aquaculture linked marine plastic pollution in the fjords and channels of Los Lagos and Aysén regions, Chile.
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Researchers conducted vessel-based photographic surveys across approximately 718 km of Chilean fjord coastline, recording 918 large plastic items concentrated near aquaculture centers, and combined field observations with hydrodynamic modeling to show that aquaculture infrastructure is the dominant source of marine plastic pollution in Los Lagos while spatial patterns in Aysén suggest longer-range transport dynamics.
Sources, transport, and accumulation of different types of plastic litter in aquatic environments: A review study
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This review assessed plastic waste types across aquatic environments globally, finding that packaging dominated rivers while fishery items prevailed in oceans, and that polyethylene and polypropylene were the most common polymers in all settings. Density, surface area, and size were identified as the primary factors controlling plastic transport and accumulation, with sediments and beaches acting as major sinks.
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