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Critical assessment of the reliability and provenance of global plastic pollution flow statistics
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A critical assessment of global plastic pollution flow statistics reveals significant reliability and provenance issues in widely cited data, raising questions about the accuracy of existing estimates. Robust data on plastic transport pathways is foundational to understanding microplastic distribution and designing effective pollution interventions.
International audience
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A systematic model was developed to document and quantify land-sourced plastic litter pathways from point of disposal to ocean entry, providing a structured framework for tracking how improperly discarded plastic on land ultimately contributes to marine microplastic pollution. Better documentation of land-to-sea transport routes is essential for targeting waste management interventions at the highest-impact points in the plastic pollution pipeline.
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